The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health system will take care of your medication and assessments should you opt to take the NHS route. However the NHS typically has long waiting times.
You can also have your ADHD assessment privately funded by the 'Right to Choose option in England. However the services you choose must be suitable for your clinical needs and must not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the examination, you will collaborate with a psychiatrist who is experienced to analyze your thoughts, presentations, and experiences. You will be asked questions about your family history and any mental issues that you've faced in the past. The psychiatrist will then collect information from a number of sources, including symptom checklists and scales for assessing behavior and will also talk to you and your relatives or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different settings.
Depending on the medical professional's judgement, it may be necessary to determine whether or not your symptoms may be explained better by other medical or psychiatric conditions that are similar or coexist with ADHD. For example anxiety disorders may manifest similarly to symptoms of ADHD and can have the same impact on relationships and work. Therefore, it is important to rule out any other disorder that could trigger symptoms of ADHD before beginning to look into medications or other treatments for the disorder.
The NHS Route
If you choose to utilize the NHS the first step is to go to your GP to explain the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD symptoms. Your GP should consider this to be an issue that is serious and send you for an assessment. The NHS assessment wait times can be lengthy. If you're unable to wait, you can take the private route, which can be more expensive but provides shorter waiting times.
During your appointment, you will be asked to fill out several questionnaires, and then the QbTest (a computer-generated test that tests the core ADHD symptoms of attention, activity, and impulsivity) will be administered. You should be familiar with the signs of ADHD so you can describe how you experience these traits in your daily life. The psychiatrist will assess your answers, and then discuss the next steps. This may include exploring different options for treatment.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is a possibility that is much faster than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it can be more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment could range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment as well as a comprehensive diagnosis report as well as medication costs.
In the UK adults and children can receive ADHD assessments through the NHS with an appointment from their doctor. The BBC's investigation reveals that there are lengthy waiting times to consult an expert. For example, one woman from Sheffield has been waiting for over two years. Suicidal thoughts are among her symptoms, and could indicate that she has undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, patients with ADHD should be evaluated by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the assessment, a psychiatrist will assess and interview the person by using questionnaires and observations of behaviour. The psychiatrist will then assess the severity of ADHD symptoms and their effects on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD often use strategies like calendars, diaries, and post-it note to manage their symptoms. But, these strategies aren't always effective. They could cause more stress and confusion especially for those already struggling with mental health conditions. The assessment will include a physical exam and a review of the medical history.
The NHS offers a program called Right to Choose, which allows you to choose the location to which you're referred for an assessment. Anyone who has a GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this scheme. You can request to be referred to a private service partnered 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
An ADHD evaluation is usually carried out by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist and is based on the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). For adults, this involves examination of any comorbid conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
During your appointment, you will discuss with your doctor your current symptoms as well as any family history. You'll be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems. During this process the expert will evaluate your behavior and how it affects other people, such as your partner or your children.
The psychiatrist will take all information into consideration to determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD, including its subtypes. The specialist will then outline their findings and discuss the best course of treatment.
If your doctor recommends a medicine you will be issued a prescription to take to any pharmacy of your choice. The prescription fees are intended for administrative use only and don't cover the cost of medications. You'll need to pay separately for the medication. If you need an titration of your medication, further appointments might be required until you're stable on the medication.
It's important that you share your diagnosis with your GP, as well as anyone else who needs to know about it, such your employer or school. Our specialists can provide letters of recommendation for accommodations in your education such as additional time during exams or a reduction in deadlines.
Some people may find it difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis, particularly in cases where their GP does not believe that they exhibit the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we recommend taking a look at our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and advice on how to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist.
4. Medication
In the UK there are a variety of medications that are approved to treat ADHD. These are typically stimulants, and include the well-known methylphenidate drug (Ritalin) and the more recent amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). It is common to recommend that patients begin with a small amount of medication, which is then gradually increased over a period of visits until the patient is at a stable dosage. This is often followed by regular appointments with psychiatrists to discuss any side effects and monitor the progress.
The medication can help reduce symptoms of ADHD and ease the burden they put on families, individuals and employers. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate with one other. However, the correct medication can be a bit different for each person and determining it could take time. Once a person is on the right medication, it is essential to adhere to their treatment plan. Inability to attend appointments or stop taking their medication can lead to symptoms returning and the medication not working as efficiently.
A specialist psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment however, they will be able to refer you to a specialist nurse who will discuss medication options and prescribe if appropriate. This will involve further titration appointments to get the right dosage, and regular checks to ensure the effectiveness of your medication. Most of the time you will find that the NHS will not cover your prescription and so this would incur an additional charge from your pharmacy.
Private clinics can also charge for follow-up consultations. If required, adhd uk assessment may include sending recommendation letters to schools or employers. It could also include advice and guidance regarding medication or medical concerns between appointments by email or brief phone calls (limited to 20 minutes). However, the costs associated with titration and follow-up are not included in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for years to meet demand for adult ADHD assessment. As a result, many areas have waiting times that can be as long as eight years, according to BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.
The process of assessment is long but is necessary to get a thorough diagnosis. The psychiatrist who conducts your assessment will speak to you about your medical history and lifestyle, as well as the symptoms that you are experiencing and their impact on your daily routine. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the consultant assess how you are feeling.
Following the clinical interview you will receive a report from your specialist which will include a diagnosis of ADHD and recommendations for treatment and ongoing support. They will also speak to you about whether or how ADHD could be a factor in any health problems or concerns that you may have.
There are several different types of ADHD, and each presents differently for every person. It is crucial to inform your doctor about the symptoms that you are experiencing, to determine the type of ADHD. A thorough ADHD assessment will help you find the right treatment.
Private healthcare providers can provide an alternative to an ADHD assessment for individuals who are able to accelerate the process and avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health professionals will allow people to connect with experts who are knowledgeable about adult ADHD faster. The process typically begins with a consultation with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in adult ADHD assessment.