The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you opt for the NHS route, your assessment and treatment will be covered by the national health system. However, the NHS generally has long waiting times.
In England You can also obtain your ADHD evaluation funded privately through the "Right to Choose" route. The services you choose to use must be relevant to your clinical needs and should not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will be working with a psychiatrist who is senior to understand your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will also be asked questions about your family history as well as any mental health issues that you may have encountered in the past. The psychiatrist will then gather data from several sources including symptom checklists, as well as scales of behavior rating and will also talk with you and your relatives or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different settings.
Based on your healthcare professional's judgment, it may be necessary for them to determine if your symptoms could be better explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that are akin to or coexist alongside ADHD. For example, anxiety disorders can often present similarly to symptoms of ADHD and can have a similar impact on relationships and work. Therefore, it is important to rule out other disorders that could trigger symptoms of ADHD before moving on to look at medications or other treatments for the disorder.
The NHS Route
If you decide to utilize the NHS, your first step is to go to your GP to explain the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD symptoms. Your GP must consider this an issue that is serious and recommend you to an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be long. If you are unable to wait, you may choose the private route instead, which can be more expensive but offers shorter waiting times.
In your appointment, you'll be asked to fill in some questionnaires, and the QbTest (a computerised test that tests the core ADHD symptoms of activity, attention and impulsivity) will be administered. It is important to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, so that you can write down the instances where you have experienced them in your daily life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers and discuss the next steps should be including if you'd like to explore medication options.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is an option that is quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment. It can also be more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can vary between PS240 and PS2500. 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 through an appointment from their doctor. However, a BBC investigation shows that there are long waits to visit specialists. One woman from Sheffield for instance is waiting for two years to see a specialist. Her symptoms include suicidal impulses that could be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments state that a patient should be examined by a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or "other qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the examination, a psychiatrist will interview and examine the patient with questionnaires and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD typically employ strategies such as calendars, diaries and post-it notes to manage their symptoms. These methods are not always efficient. They can cause more stress and confusion, especially for those already struggling with underlying mental health issues. The assessment will include a physical exam and a review medical history.
The NHS has a scheme known as Right to Choose, which allows you to select where you're referred for an assessment. This is available to everyone who has a registered GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can request to be recommended to a private company that is partnered with the NHS that offers an ADHD assessment, so long they're licensed by the NHS and don't charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist will typically conduct an ADHD assessment, using the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). Adults may also be assessed for co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety.
During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and your family history with the doctor. They'll also ask you to fill out questionnaires or rating scales. During this process, the expert will evaluate the way your behavior affects others in your life, such as your partner or children.
The psychiatrist will consider all of the information to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria and subtypes. Your doctor will explain their findings and discuss with you the best approach to treat it.
If the psychiatrist recommends medication the prescription will be issued for you to visit a pharmacy of your choice. adhd diagnostic assessment cover the administrative process and do not include the cost of the medications themselves, which you'll need to pay for separately. Additional appointments might be required when you have to adjust your medication.
Once you've received your diagnosis It's crucial to share the results with your GP and anyone else who needs to be aware, like 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.
Certain people may have difficulty obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, particularly when their GP isn't convinced that they have the symptoms. If you're one of them are one of them, you might want to read our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and guidance on how to have your GP recommend to you.
4. Medication
In the UK there are a variety of medications that are approved for treating ADHD. These include the well-known amphetamine based medication lisdexamfetamine, and the well-known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. It is typical to suggest that patients start with a small dose of medication, which is gradually increased over a period of visits until the patient reaches an appropriate dosage. This is often accompanied with regular sessions with psychiatrists to discuss side effects, and monitor progress.
The medication can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and reduce the burden they impose on families, individuals and employers. They function by increasing neurotransmitters that 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 to their treatment plan. If they continue to skip appointments or discontinuing their medication could result in symptoms recurring 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 will involve further periodic titration sessions to ensure you are receiving the correct dosage and regular checks to ensure the effectiveness of your medication. In general, the NHS will not pay for your prescription and therefore this would incur an additional charge from your pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. If needed, this could include sending recommendation letters to employers or schools. Brief phone conversations or email (limited to 20 minutes) can be used to give advice and assistance with medical or medication concerns in between appointments. The initial ADHD assessment is not inclusive of the costs for treatment or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for a long time to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessment. As a result, many areas have wait times as long as eight years, as per BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.
The assessment process can be lengthy but it's essential for 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 may be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems to help the psychiatrist determine how you feel.
After the clinical interview, your doctor will prepare the report, which will provide you with a diagnosis and recommendations for ongoing treatment and support if you have ADHD. They will also talk with you whether ADHD is a factor in any health issues or concerns you may have.
There are various types of ADHD and they are all displayed differently in every individual. It is crucial to inform your doctor about the symptoms you're experiencing to determine the kind of ADHD. This is why a thorough ADHD assessment is essential and will give you the best chance of locating the best treatment for your issues.
Private healthcare providers are an alternative to the NHS for those who want to avoid the wait and to speed up their ADHD assessment. Individuals can self-refer directly to a private mental health provider which can give faster access to specialists with experience in adult ADHD. This process often starts with a first consultation with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessments.