| What is ‘Right to Choose’ vs ‘going private’. | RTC: NHS-funded; GP referral to an NHS-contracted provider you choose Private: Self-funded assessment/treatment | NHS Patient Choice Guidance |
| Can I use NHS Right to Choose for an adult ADHD assessment if local waits are years? | Yes, in England. If your GP agrees to refer, you can choose a provider with an NHS contract under the legal Right to Choose (RTC). | Our Right to Choose Guide |
| Will my GP accept shared care for medication after a private/RTC diagnosis? | Not guaranteed. Shared care is a GP–specialist agreement; GPs are not obliged to accept. Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust’s ADHD Medication FAQs describe moving to GP under Shared Care Agreement after stabilisation. | NHS Shared Care Process |
| What are ‘shared-care agreements? | Definition: A formal agreement for ongoing prescribing/monitoring by GP after specialist initiation/stabilisation. | NHS Shared Care Process |
| How do I get referred for adult ADHD in Berkshire ? | Route: GP referral only (no self-referral). Must be registered with a Berkshire GP. Service: Berkshire Healthcare Adult ADHD service (Reading clinic) handles assessment, initiation, titration, and shared care with your GP. | Our Assessment Compass |
| What is the current adult ADHD waits in Berkshire? | Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust states that Adult ADHD Diagnostic Waitlist is currently over 4 years, and Adult ADHD medication waitlist is 1 year. | NHS Service Guide |
| How much does a private adult ADHD assessment cost? | The UK average is at around £1200 | Our going private how to? |
| Do I need a diagnosis to get workplace adjustments? | No formal diagnosis required. Under the Equality Act 2010. You do need to prove that your ADHD negative affects you. | Our Self Advocacy Toolkit |
| If I move within the Thames Valley, do I lose my place on the waitlist? | Generally, referrals can be transferred when you move, via e-RS processes and local coordination; you may need a new GP to facilitate transfer. | NHS e-Referral Service |
| Do I need to tell the DVLA about ADHD (or meds)? | Tell DVLA if your condition affects your ability to drive or if a notifiable condition/medication impact is present. | Government Guidance |
| Does ADHD affect driving insurance / must I disclose to insurer? | Insurance: It’s best to check with your insurer on a case-by-case basis. DVLA notification is separate and based on whether your condition/meds affect safe driving. | Guidance from Aviva |
| What happens if my GP refuses shared care after Right to Choose? | The provider may continue prescribing privately | Our Complaints Guide |
| Can I get help before diagnosis at workplace? | Adjustments can be made without a formal diagnosis | Our Self Advocacy Toolkit |
| How to prepare for an adult ADHD Assessment ? | Typical requests: ID, developmental/educational history, collateral informant, completed screening forms; providers describe pre-assessment paperwork and timelines. | Our Assesment Compass |
| Are there medication options if I can’t tolerate first-line stimulants? | Options exist, if you are experiencing negative side effects with first line stimulants, talk to your prescriber immediately | NICE Guidelines ADHD |
| Do I have to tell my employer about ADHD? | No legal duty to disclose a diagnosis; however, disclosure can enable reasonable adjustments. | Our Self Advocay Toolkit |
| How long is titration after assessment? | Typical ranges: 4–12 weeks to reach a stable dose but can be longer. | NICE Guidelines ADHD |
| What proof do employers need for reasonable adjustments? | Employers may ask for evidence (e.g., NHS letter), but must consider adjustments based on impact; legal protection doesn’t require a formal diagnosis | ACAS: Reasonable Adjustments |
| Can I get medication on the NHS after a private diagnosis? | Possible but not automatic. Your GP may accept shared care if the diagnosing provider meets local standards and your care is stabilised; GPs can decline. Local shared-care policies apply. | NHS Shared Care Process |
| Does ADHD affect university study, and can I get support (DSAs)? | Yes, support is available. Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) can fund study-related support for long-term mental health/neurodevelopmental conditions. | Disabled Students Allowance |
| Can GPs refuse to refer for adult ADHD? | They can if not deemed clinically appropriate, but NHS patient choice expects discussion of options at referral; complaints route is via your ICB if you were not offered choice. | Our Complaints Guide |
| What’s the difference between screening tests and formal diagnosis? | Screeners indicative screening only. Diagnosis: made by a qualified specialist using clinical interview and criteria | NICE Guidelines ADHD |
| Are women being missed or diagnosed later and does that affect access? | Yes, under-recognition is documented. NICE NG87 notes ADHD is under-recognised in girls and women, with lower referrals/more misdiagnosis. | NICE Guidelines ADHD |
| What does the Berkshire ADHD pathway look like after diagnosis (titration, reviews)? | After diagnosis, medication titration with the BHFT ADHD clinic; when stabilised, transfer to GP under Shared Care Agreement; 12–18-month specialist/annual review pattern described. | NHS Shared Care Process |
| Is there a local support group in Reading/Berkshire for adults? | Yes: Reading ADHD Group (monthly, adult peer support; Reading). | Reading ADHD Group |
| What’s the difference between ADHD and autism pathways locally? | Separate Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust services & waitlists. | Berkshire Adult Autism Team |
| What are typical costs after diagnosis (follow-ups, meds, private titration)? | The UK average is around £950 |
Reading ADHD Group 