The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you opt for the NHS option, your examination and treatment will be covered by the national health service. However, the NHS typically has long waiting times.
In England there is also the option to obtain your ADHD evaluation funded privately through the "Right to Choose" route. The services you choose to use must be relevant to the clinical setting and not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will work with an experienced psychiatrist to understand your thoughts, presentations, and experiences. You will be asked about your family background and any mental issues that you've experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will collect information from a variety of sources like symptoms checklists, behaviour rating scales and speaking to you, your family members or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different situations.
Depending on the healthcare expert's judgment, it could be necessary to assess whether or not your symptoms may be explained more effectively by other medical or psychiatric disorders that coexist with ADHD. Anxiety disorders, like may present with symptoms similar to ADHD and can have the same effect on work and relationships. Before considering medication or other treatments, it is crucial to determine if there are any other disorders that could trigger symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you choose to utilize the NHS the first step is to go to your GP to explain why you believe you suffer from ADHD symptoms. Your GP must consider this serious issue and send you for an assessment. However waiting times for NHS assessments can be lengthy. If you are unable to wait, you may choose the private route which can be more expensive, but has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment you will be asked questions and administered the QbTest which is a computer-based test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity, and attention. assessment adhd is important to be familiar with the signs of ADHD so that you can articulate how you experience these characteristics in your daily life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers and discuss the next steps. This could include examining the options for medication.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is an option that is much faster than waiting for an NHS appointment. It's also more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can vary between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, a full diagnosis report, and the cost of medication.
In the UK, adults and children can access ADHD assessments on the NHS through the referral of a GP. The BBC's investigation shows that there are long waiting times to consult a specialist. One woman in Sheffield, for example has waited for two years. Her symptoms include suicidal tendencies which could be an indication of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments say that patients should be seen by a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the examination, a psychiatrist will examine and interview the individual, using questionnaires and observation of behavior. The psychiatrist will then evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD typically employ strategies such as diaries, calendars, and post-it note to manage their symptoms. However, these strategies aren't always efficient. These methods can create anxiety and confusion, especially in people with mental health issues. The examination will consist of a physical exam and a review medical history.
The NHS has a scheme called Right to Choose, which allows you to choose where you're referred for an assessment. It's available to anyone who's registered with a GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can request to be directed to a private clinic partnered with the NHS that offers an ADHD assessment, so long that they're licensed by NHS and do not charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist typically conducts an ADHD assessment, based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). Adults may also be screened for comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety.
During your appointment, you will discuss with the consultant your current symptoms and any family history. You'll be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems. The expert will observe your behavior and how it affects others like your spouse or your children.
The specialist will take all of information into consideration to determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and its subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and suggest the best course of treatment.
If the psychiatrist recommends medication then a prescription will be issued for you to visit a pharmacy of your choice. The cost of prescriptions is 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 adjustment of your medication, additional appointments could be needed until you're comfortable with the medication.
Once you've been diagnosed, it's important to share the results with your GP and anyone else who needs to be aware, like your employer or school. Our specialists can also write recommendation letters for accommodations to your education like extra time in exams or reduced deadlines.
Some people may have difficulty obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, particularly when their GP doesn't believe they have the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we recommend taking a look at our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and guidance on how to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist.
4. Medication
In the UK There are many medications that are approved for treating ADHD. They are usually stimulants, including the well-known methylphenidate medication (Ritalin) and the newest amphetamine-based medicine lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). It is typical to suggest that patients start with a small dose of medication, and then gradually increased over a period of appointments until the patient is at an acceptable dosage. This is usually accompanied by regular sessions with psychiatrists to discuss side effects and monitor the progress.
The medications can reduce the symptoms of ADHD and reduce the burden they impose on families, individuals and employers. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters which allow brain cells to communicate with each and each other. Finding the right drug is an individual matter and takes some time. Once someone is on the right medication, it is crucial that they stick to their treatment regimen. If they continue to skip appointments or stopping taking their medication could cause symptoms to return and the medication not working as well.
A psychiatrist expert does not prescribe medication during the assessment session. However, they may refer you to an expert who will discuss your medication options with you and, if needed, prescribe. This will involve further titration appointments to get the correct dosage and regular reviews to check the effectiveness of your medication. The NHS does not usually pay for prescriptions, so you'll need to pay extra at the pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending letters of recommendation to schools or employers when required. It could also include advice and guidance regarding medication or medical questions between appointments via emails or phone calls (limited to 20 minutes). The initial ADHD assessment is not inclusive of the costs for the titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has struggled for a long time to meet the demands for adult ADHD assessment. As a result, many areas have wait times of up to eight years, according to BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.
The process of assessment is long however it is essential for a thorough diagnostic. The doctor who conducts your assessment will be in contact with you about your medical history and lifestyle and also your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems to help the consultant determine how you feel.
Following the clinical interview you will receive the report of your specialist that will include a diagnosis of ADHD and recommendations for treatment and ongoing support. They will also discuss with you whether ADHD is a contributing factor to any health issues or concerns you may have.
There are various kinds of ADHD and they appear differently in every individual. It's important that you tell your specialist the symptoms you're experiencing to determine the type of ADHD. This is why a thorough ADHD assessment is essential and will provide you with the most effective chance of finding the appropriate treatment for your specific symptoms.
Private healthcare providers offer an alternative to an ADHD assessment for those who are able to accelerate the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Individuals can self-refer directly to an independent mental health practitioner and get quicker access to specialists who have expertise in adult ADHD. The process typically starts with a meeting with psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessment.