The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health system will cover your medication and assessment should you opt to take the NHS route. 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" option. However the services you choose must be suitable for your clinical needs and 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 also be asked questions about your family history as well as any mental health issues you may have had in the past. The psychiatrist will then gather information from various sources including symptom checklists, as well as scales for assessing behavior, as well as talking to you and your relatives or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different settings.
Based on your doctor's judgement, it could be essential for them to determine if your symptoms can be more easily explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that mimic or coexist with ADHD. Anxiety disorders, like, can present with symptoms that are similar to ADHD and have a similar effect on relationships and work. It is therefore important to rule out other disorders that can cause symptoms of ADHD before moving on to consider the use of 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 why you think you may have ADHD symptoms. Your GP should treat this as a serious matter and recommend you to an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be very long. If you are unable to wait, you may choose the private route which is more expensive however has shorter waiting times.
At the time of your appointment, you will be asked to fill in several questionnaires. Then, the QbTest (a computerised test that measures core ADHD symptoms of activity, attention and impulsivity) will be administered. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment so that you can write down the instances where you have experienced these symptoms in your life. The psychiatrist will then evaluate your answers and discuss the next steps should be, including if you would like to consider pursuing medication options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are more efficient than waiting for a NHS appointment. It can also be more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients could range from PS240 to 2500. This includes the assessment, as well as a full diagnosis report and the cost of medication.
In the UK adults and children can get ADHD assessments through the NHS with the help of their GP. However, a BBC investigation shows that there are long wait times to see an expert. One woman from Sheffield, for example, has been waiting two years. Suicidal tendencies are among her symptoms, which could be a sign that she may not be diagnosed with ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments state that a patient should be evaluated by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the assessment a psychiatrist will interview and examine the patient through questionnaires and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD and the impact it has on daily living.
People suffering from ADHD tend to manage their symptoms with strategies like diaries calendars, and post-it notes. These strategies aren't always effective. They can cause more stress and confusion, particularly for those already struggling with mental health conditions. The examination will consist of an examination of the body and a review of the medical history.
The NHS has a scheme known as Right to Choose, which allows you to choose the location to which you're referred for an assessment. This is available to everyone who's registered with a GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can ask to be recommended to a private company which is affiliated with the NHS that can provide an ADHD assessment, so long they're licensed by the NHS and do not charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist will usually conduct an ADHD assessment, using the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). For adults, this involves the assessment of comorbid disorders like depression or anxiety.
During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and family history with the consultant. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. During this process, an expert will note how your behaviour impacts others in your life, including your partner or children.
The specialist will take all of information into consideration to determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD as well as its subtypes. Your doctor will explain their findings and then discuss with you the best approach to treat it.
If the doctor recommends a medication the prescription will be issued for you to take to a pharmacy of your preference. The cost of prescriptions covers the administrative process but do not include the cost of the drugs themselves, which you'll be required to pay separately. If you require an titration of your medication, further appointments could be required until you're stable on the medication.
It is important to discuss your diagnosis with your GP, as well as anyone else who might need to be aware of it, such as your employer or school. Our specialists can also write recommendations for educational accommodations for students, such as additional time for exams or shorter deadlines.
For some people, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis can be a lengthy process, especially when their GP does not take the diagnosis seriously or doesn't believe that they're suffering from the symptoms. If this is the case 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 refer you.
4. Medication
There are many medicines that are approved to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. These include the well-known amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine, as well as the well-known methylphenidate drug Ritalin. It is generally recommended that patients start with a small amount of medication, which is then gradually increased over a number of appointments until the patient has reached an appropriate dosage. This is usually accompanied by regular sessions with psychiatrists to discuss any side effects and track progress.
The medications can lessen symptoms of ADHD and reduce the burden they impose on families, people and employers. They help by increasing neurotransmitters that enable brain cells to communicate. However, the right medication is a matter of individual preference and determining it could take time. Once someone is prescribed the appropriate medication, it's essential to adhere to the treatment program. If you continue to fail to attend appointments or stop taking your medication, the symptoms can return and the medication may not be as effective.
A psychiatrist expert is not able to prescribe medication during the assessment session. However, they may refer you to an expert who will discuss your options for taking medication and, if needed, prescribe. This may require additional titration sessions to determine the appropriate dosage, and regular checks to make sure that your medication is working. The NHS does not usually pay for prescriptions, which means you'll have to pay an additional fee at the pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. Going In this article includes writing and sending recommendations to employers or schools if required. It can also include advice and guidance about medication or any medical questions between appointments via email or brief phone calls (limited to 20 minutes). However, the cost of titration and follow-up are not included in an initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has struggled for years to meet the demand for adult ADHD tests for adults with ADHD. According to BBC research, waiting times in many areas could be as long as 8 years.
The assessment process is lengthy however it is essential to get a thorough 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 life. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires or rate scales to help the doctor evaluate your condition.
After the clinical interview, you will receive the report of your specialist that will include the diagnosis of ADHD and treatment recommendations and ongoing support. They will also discuss with you if ADHD is a factor in any health issues or concerns you may have.
There are various kinds of ADHD and they are all displayed differently in different people. This is why it's essential to understand the exact symptoms you're experiencing so that your doctor can identify the right type of ADHD. This is why a thorough ADHD assessment is essential and will give you the most effective chance of finding the appropriate treatment for your issues.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative method of ADHD assessment for those who are able to accelerate the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health services permit individuals to get access to specialists with expertise in adult ADHD quicker. The process typically starts with a meeting with psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessment.