The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health system will provide your medical and assessment when you decide to take the NHS route. The NHS is well-known for its long waiting times.
You can also get your ADHD assessment funded privately through the 'Right to choose option in England. The services you choose to use must be clinically relevant and not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will work with an experienced psychiatrist to help you understand your thoughts, presentations, and experiences. You will be asked questions about your family history as well as any mental health issues you may have had in the past. The psychiatrist will gather information using a variety of sources, including symptoms checklists, behavior rating scales and speaking to you, your family members or close friends about how ADHD symptoms impact you in different situations.
Depending on your healthcare professional's judgment, it may be essential for them to determine if your symptoms could be more easily explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that are akin to or coexist with ADHD. Anxiety disorders, like may present with symptoms that are similar to ADHD and can have the same effect on work and relationships. It is therefore crucial to rule out any other disorder that can cause symptoms of ADHD before beginning to look into the use of medications or other treatments for the disorder.
The NHS Route
If you decide to take the NHS route, your first step is to see your GP and provide the reason why you believe you have symptoms of ADHD. Your GP should consider this to be a serious matter and refer you to an assessment. The NHS assessment wait times can be lengthy. If you're not able to wait, you can opt for the private route, which is more expensive but offers shorter waiting times.
At the time of your appointment, you'll be asked to fill in some questionnaires, and the QbTest (a computer-generated test that tests the core ADHD symptoms of attention, activity and impulsivity) will be administered. It is important to familiarise yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment so that you can write down the instances where you have experienced them in your daily life. The psychiatrist will then evaluate your answers and discuss the next steps are and whether you would like to explore the possibility of medication.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments can be an efficient alternative to waiting for a NHS appointment. However, it can be more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients can vary from PS240 to PS2500. This includes the assessment as well as a complete diagnosis report as well as medication costs.
In the UK Adults and children can obtain ADHD assessments through the NHS through an appointment from their doctor. The BBC's investigation shows that there are lengthy waiting times to see an expert. For instance, a woman from Sheffield has been waiting for two years. Her symptoms include suicidal impulses that could be an indication of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments state that patients should be seen by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the examination, a psychiatrist will assess and interview the individual, using questionnaires and observation of their behavior. The psychiatrist will assess the severity of ADHD and its impact on daily living.
People with ADHD frequently employ strategies such as calendars, diaries, and post-it note to manage their symptoms. These methods are not always efficient. They can cause more stress and confusion, particularly for those already struggling with mental health issues. The examination will consist of physical examination and a review of medical history.
The NHS has a scheme called Right to Choose, which allows you to choose where you're being referred to for an assessment. Anyone who has an GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this program. You can request to be recommended to a private company which is affiliated with the NHS which offers an ADHD assessment, so long that they're licensed by NHS and don't charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse will usually conduct an ADHD assessment, using the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). For adults, this includes examination of any comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety.
During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and family history with the consultant. You'll be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems. During this process, an expert will evaluate how your behavior impacts other people in your life, like your partner or children.
The specialist will take all of the information into account to help determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD as well as its subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and discuss the best treatment options.
If the psychiatrist suggests medication then a prescription will be given to you to take to a pharmacist of your preference. Prescription fees cover the administrative procedure but do not cover the cost of the medications themselves, which you'll need to pay separately. If you require an titration of your medication, further appointments could be required until you're stable on the medication.
Once you've received your diagnosis, it's important to share the results with your GP and anyone else who should be aware, like your employer or school. Our specialists can also write recommendation letters for educational accommodations, such as extra time in exams or reduced deadlines.
Some people might be unable to obtain an ADHD diagnosis, especially if their GP isn't convinced that they are suffering from the symptoms. If this is the case for you, we suggest going through our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and guidance on how to get your GP to send you.
4. Medication
There are many medications that are licensed to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. These are often stimulants, and include the well-known methylphenidate medication (Ritalin) and the newest amphetamine based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). It is typical to suggest that patients begin with a small amount of medication, and then gradually increased over a number of appointments until the patient has reached a stable dosage. This is often accompanied with regular sessions with psychiatrists to discuss side effects, and monitor progress.
assessment of adhd of medication can ease many symptoms that are caused by ADHD and lessen the burden they put on individuals, families and workplaces. They function by increasing neurotransmitters, which enable brain cells to communicate. Finding the right medication is very individual, and can take some time. Once someone is prescribed the correct medication, it's important to stick with their treatment regimen. Inability to attend appointments or discontinuing their medication could lead to symptoms returning and the medication not working as well.
A specialist psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment session however, they will be able to refer you on to an expert nurse who will discuss your options for medication and prescribe if appropriate. This could require additional titration appointments to get the right dosage, and regular checks to ensure the effectiveness of your medication. The NHS generally does not pay for prescriptions, which means you'll have to pay an additional fee at your pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendation letters to employers or schools, when needed. Short phone calls or emails (limited to 20 min) can be used to provide advice and assistance with medical or medication questions between appointments. The initial ADHD assessment does not include the cost for the titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has struggled for years to meet demand for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. According to BBC research, waiting times in many areas could be as long as 8 years.
The process of assessment is long but is necessary to provide a complete diagnosis. The doctor who conducts your assessment will talk to you about your medical history and your lifestyle, as well as the symptoms you're experiencing and the impact they have on your daily life. You might also be asked fill out questionnaires or rating scales to help the consultant evaluate your condition.
After the clinical interview you will receive a report from your specialist which will include the diagnosis of ADHD and recommendations for treatment and ongoing support. They will also speak to you about if and how ADHD could be a factor in any health concerns or issues that you have.
There are many kinds of ADHD and they are all displayed differently in different people. It is essential to tell your doctor about the symptoms that you're experiencing so they can determine the kind of ADHD. This is the reason a thorough ADHD assessment is crucial and will provide you with the most effective chance of finding the right treatment for your specific symptoms.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative method of ADHD assessment for those who are in a position to speed up the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health services can allow individuals to access specialists with expertise in adult ADHD quicker. This process usually starts with a meeting with psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessment.