The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health service will cover your medication and assessment if you choose to go the NHS route. However, the NHS generally has long waiting times.
In England, you can also obtain your ADHD evaluation privately funded via the "Right to Choose" pathway. The services you choose 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 a psychiatrist of senior level to fully comprehend your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will also be asked questions about your family history as well as any mental health issues you might have encountered in the past. The psychiatrist will gather data from a variety sources like symptoms checklists, behavior rating scales, and talk to you, your family or close friends about how ADHD symptoms impact you in different situations.
Based on your doctor's judgement, it could be important to determine if your symptoms could be more easily explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that are similar to or coexist alongside ADHD. For example anxiety disorders may present similarly to symptoms of ADHD and can have the same impact on the work environment and relationships. Before considering medication or other treatments, it is crucial to eliminate any other conditions that could trigger symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you decide to take the NHS option, the first step is to visit your GP and provide the reason why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should take this seriously and refer you to an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be very long. If you are unable to wait, you can choose the private route which is more expensive but has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment, you will be asked some questions and then administered the QbTest, a computerised test which measures the core ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity, and attention. You should familiarise yourselves with the symptoms of ADHD so you can describe the ways you experience these symptoms in your everyday life. The psychiatrist will then assess your answers and discuss the next steps to take, including if you would like to consider pursuing treatment options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments can be an efficient alternative to waiting for an NHS appointment. It is also more costly. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients can range from PS240-PS2500. This includes the assessment, as well as a complete diagnosis report and medication costs.
In the UK, adults or children can obtain ADHD assessments through the NHS with an appointment from their doctor. However, the BBC's investigation has revealed that there are long waits to see specialists. For instance, a woman in Sheffield has been waiting for two years. Suicidal thoughts are among her symptoms, and could indicate that she has undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments say that a patient should be evaluated by a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or "other qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). In the course of the assessment, a psychiatrist will interview and examine the patient using questionnaires, and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will then evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD frequently employ strategies such as diaries, calendars and post-it notes to manage their symptoms. These strategies are not always effective. These methods can cause anxiety and confusion, especially in those with mental health issues. The assessment will include an examination of the body and a review of the medical history.
The NHS has a scheme called Right to Choose, which lets you choose the location to which you're referred for an assessment. This is open to anyone who's registered with a GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. book adhd assessment can request a private clinic that's associated with NHS provide an ADHD assessment. As long as the service is licensed by NHS and does not charge more than NHS or NHS, you can ask to be advised.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD evaluation is usually carried out by psychiatrists or specialist nurses and follows the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Adults may also be assessed for co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and family history with the consultant. You'll be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems. During this process, the expert will evaluate how your behaviour impacts others in your life, such as your partner or children.
The psychiatrist will review all of the information to determine if you fit the ADHD criteria including subtypes. Your doctor will explain their findings and then discuss with you the best approach to treat it.
If the psychiatrist suggests medication the prescription will be issued for you to visit a pharmacy of your preference. The cost of prescriptions is intended for administrative use only and do not cover the cost of medicines. You will have to pay separately for the medication. Additional appointments may be needed in the event that you require a titration of your medication.
It is essential to share your diagnosis with your GP, as well as anyone else who may need to be aware of it, like your school or employer. Our specialists can provide letters of recommendation for accommodations in your education such as additional time during exams or reduced deadlines.
Some people may have difficulty obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, especially if their GP does not believe that they are suffering from the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we suggest taking a look at our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and guidance on how you can get your GP to send you.
4. Medication
There are a variety of medicines that are approved to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. These stimulants include the well-known amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine and the well-known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. Initially, it is usually recommended that patients start with a low dosage of medication which is then gradually increased over a period of time until a patient is stabilised on their dosage. This is often followed by regular meetings with a psychiatrist to discuss the effects of medication and track the progress.
The use of medication can ease the symptoms caused by ADHD and reduce the burden they put on individuals, families and workplaces. They work by increasing neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate. However, the right medication is a matter of individual preference and determining it could take time. Once a patient is prescribed the correct medication, it's crucial to stick with the treatment plan. 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 can refer you on to an expert nurse who will discuss medication options and prescribe, if needed. This may require further periodic titration sessions to ensure you are receiving the right dose and regular reviews to check the effectiveness of your medication. The NHS generally does not pay for prescriptions, which means you'll have to pay a premium at the pharmacy.
Private clinics can also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendation letters to schools or employers if required. Short phone calls or emails (limited to 20 minutes) can be used to offer advice and assistance with medication or medical questions in between appointments. However, the costs of titration and follow-up are not included in an initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has long struggled to meet the 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 assessment process is lengthy, but essential to get a thorough diagnosis. The psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will speak to you about your medical history and lifestyle and also the symptoms you're experiencing and how they affect your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the doctor evaluate how you're feeling.
After the interview, you will receive an evaluation from your doctor which will include an assessment of ADHD and recommendations for treatment and ongoing support. They will also speak to you about if and how ADHD might be a contributing factor to any health concerns or issues that you face.
There are many types of ADHD and they appear differently in each individual. It is crucial to inform your doctor about the symptoms you're experiencing so that they can determine the type of ADHD. This is the reason a thorough ADHD assessment is essential and will give you the most effective chance of finding the best treatment for your specific symptoms.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative to the NHS for those who want to avoid waiting in line and wish to speed up their ADHD assessment. Self-referrals to private mental health providers permit individuals to get access to specialists who specialize in adult ADHD more quickly. The process typically starts with a consultation with psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who has experience in adult ADHD assessment.