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. The NHS is known for its long waiting times.
In England there is also the option to obtain your ADHD assessment privately funded through the 'Right to Choose" route. 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 assessment, you will work with a psychiatrist of senior level to understand your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will be asked questions regarding your family history and any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will gather data from a variety sources including symptoms checklists, behaviour rating scales and speaking to you, your family members or close friends, about how ADHD symptoms affect you in various situations.
Based on your doctor's judgement, it could be necessary to determine if your symptoms can be more easily explained by medical or psychiatric disorders that are similar to or coexist alongside ADHD. Anxiety disorders, like are often associated with symptoms similar to ADHD and have the same effect on relationships and work. Before deciding on medication or other treatments, it is essential to eliminate any other conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you choose to go the NHS route, the first step should be to see your GP and provide the reason why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should take this seriously and refer you for an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be very long. If you can't wait, you may choose the private route, which is more expensive however has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment, you will be asked to complete some questionnaires, and the QbTest (a computer-based test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of activity, attention and impulsivity) will be administered. You should be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to describe how you experience these traits in your everyday life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers, and then discuss the next steps. This may include exploring medication options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are a much faster option than waiting for an NHS appointment. It can also be more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, a complete diagnosis report, and the cost of medication.
In the UK, adults or children can get ADHD assessments through the NHS with a referral from their GP. However, a BBC investigation has revealed long waits to visit a specialist. For example, one woman in Sheffield has been waiting for two years. Her symptoms include suicidal impulses which could be an indication of undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, a patient who suffers from ADHD should be evaluated by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the assessment psychiatrists will interview and examine the person with questionnaires and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD and its impact on daily living.
People with ADHD often attempt to manage their symptoms using strategies such as diaries, calendars and post-it notepads. However, these strategies aren't always successful. They can lead to anxiety and confusion, particularly in people with mental health issues. The evaluation will include a physical exam and a review medical history.
Right to Choose is a scheme offered by the NHS that allows you to choose where you're assessed. This is open to anyone who is registered with a GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can ask to have a private service that is associated with NHS provide an ADHD assessment. As long as the service is accredited by NHS and does not charge more than NHS or NHS, you can ask to be referred.
3. Diagnosis
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse will typically conduct an ADHD assessment, based on 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 anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and family history with the doctor. They'll also ask you to fill out questionnaires or rating scales. In this process, the expert will observe your behavior and how it affects other people such as your spouse or your children.
The psychiatrist will take all information into consideration to determine whether you meet the requirements for ADHD, including its subtypes. Your doctor will explain their findings and then discuss with you the best treatment.
If a psychiatrist suggests a medication you will be issued an order to take it to any pharmacy of your choosing. The prescription fees cover the administration process but do not include the cost of the drugs themselves, which you'll have to pay for separately. If you require a medication titration, additional appointments may be required until you're stable on the medication.
Once you've received your diagnosis It's crucial to communicate the results with your GP and anyone else who needs to be aware, like your school or employer. Our specialists can also write recommendation letters for educational accommodations like extra time in exams or reduced deadlines.
For some people, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis may be a long process, particularly when their GP doesn't take them seriously or doesn't believe they're suffering from the symptoms. If this is the case then you should check out our guide on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and advice about how to get your GP refer to you.
4. Medication
In the UK There are many medications that are approved for treating ADHD. These are typically stimulants and include the well-known methylphenidate medication (Ritalin) and the newest amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). uk adhd assessment is generally recommended that patients start with a small dose of medication, which is then gradually increased over a period of appointments until the patient reaches a stable dosage. This is often followed by regular sessions with psychiatrists to discuss side effects and monitor the progress.
The use of medication can ease many symptoms that are caused by ADHD and ease the burden they place on families, individuals and workplaces. They help by increasing neurotransmitters, which enable brain cells to communicate. Finding the right medication is a personal choice and may take some time. Once a patient is prescribed the appropriate medication, it's important to stick with the treatment regimen. If you continue to skip appointments or stop taking your medication, the symptoms may be recurrent and the medication may not work as effectively.
A qualified psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment however, they can refer you to a specialist nurse who can discuss your options for medication and prescribe if necessary. This will involve further periodic titration sessions to ensure you are receiving the right dose and regular checks to ensure the effectiveness of your medication. Typically you will find that the NHS will not pay for your prescription and so this would incur an additional charge from your pharmacy.
Private clinics can also charge for follow-up consultations. If required, this may include sending letters of recommendation to schools or employers. Email or brief phone conversations (limited to 20 min) can be used to offer guidance and advice on medication or medical questions in between appointments. However, the costs associated with titration and follow-up are not included in an initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for years to meet demands for adult ADHD assessment. According to BBC research waiting times in a variety of areas could be as long as 8 years.
The assessment process may be long, but it's vital to get a complete diagnosis. The psychiatrist conducting your assessment will spend time talking to you about your lifestyle and medical history, as well as your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. You might also be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales to help the doctor determine the severity of your illness.
After the clinical interview, your specialist will write an assessment report that will provide you with an assessment and recommendations for ongoing support and treatment for ADHD. They will also inform you if ADHD is a factor in any health problems or issues you might have.
There are different types of ADHD and they are all displayed differently in each individual. This is why it's crucial to understand the specific symptoms you are experiencing so that your specialist can identify the right kind of ADHD. This is why a thorough ADHD assessment is crucial and will provide you with the most effective chance of finding the right treatment for your symptoms.
Private healthcare providers are an alternative to the NHS for those who want to avoid the wait and to speed up their ADHD evaluation. Patients can self-refer to a private mental health provider and get quicker access to specialists who have expertise in adult ADHD. The process typically starts with a consultation with psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who has experience in adult ADHD assessment.