The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you go through the NHS option, your examination and treatment will be covered by the national health system. However, the NHS typically has lengthy waiting times.
In England there is also the option to obtain your ADHD evaluation funded privately through the 'Right to Choose" pathway. The services you select must be clinically relevant and not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the evaluation, you'll collaborate with a psychiatrist who is experienced to help you understand your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will be asked questions about your family background as well as any mental issues you've experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will then gather data from several sources such as symptom checklists and scales of behavior rating as well as speaking to you and your family members or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different settings.
Depending on your healthcare professional's judgment, it may be necessary for them to determine if your symptoms could be more easily explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that are akin to or coexist with ADHD. Anxiety disorders, for instance are often associated with symptoms similar to ADHD and have the same effect on work and relationships. Before considering medication or other treatments, it is essential to eliminate any other conditions that may cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you choose to go the NHS route, the first step is to visit your GP and explain why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should take this seriously and refer you for an assessment. The NHS assessment wait times can be lengthy. If you can't wait, you may choose the private route which is more expensive but has shorter waiting times.
At the time of your appointment, you'll be asked to complete several questionnaires, and then the QbTest (a computerised test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of activity, attention and impulsivity) will be administered. You should familiarise yourselves with the symptoms of ADHD so that you can articulate how you experience these characteristics in your daily life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers, and then discuss the next steps. This could include examining medication options.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is an option that can be much quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment. It can also be more expensive. 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 the cost of medication.
In the UK children and adults can get ADHD assessments through the NHS through a GP referral. However, a BBC investigation shows that there are long wait times to consult a specialist. For assessments for adhd , a woman from Sheffield has been waiting for two years. Her symptoms include suicidal impulses that could be an indication of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments say that a patient should be examined by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the assessment a psychiatrist will interview and examine the person through questionnaires and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will then evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their effects on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD often attempt to manage their symptoms using strategies such as diaries, calendars, and post-it notes. These strategies are not always effective. They can cause more anxiety and confusion, especially for those already struggling with underlying mental health conditions. The evaluation will also include physical examination as well as a review of medical history.
Right to Choose is a program of the NHS that lets you select where you are assessed. Anyone who has a GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this scheme. You can ask to have a private clinic that's partnered with NHS offer an ADHD assessment. If the service is accredited by NHS and doesn't charge higher than NHS and you request to be recommended.
3. Diagnosis
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist will usually conduct an ADHD assessment, based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). Adults can also be evaluated for comorbid disorders like anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and your family history with the doctor. You'll be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems. In this process, the expert will evaluate your behavior and how it affects other people such as your spouse or your children.
The psychiatrist will consider all of the information to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria including subtypes. Your specialist will explain their findings and discuss with you the best approach to treat it.
If a psychiatrist recommends a medicine you will be issued the prescription to take to any pharmacy of your choice. The cost of prescriptions covers the administrative process but do not include the cost of the medications themselves, which you will need to pay separately. If you need an titration of your medication, further appointments may be needed until you're comfortable with the medication.
It is important to discuss your diagnosis with your GP, as well as anyone else who needs to know about it, such your employer or school. Our specialists can provide letters of recommendation for accommodations in your education such as extra time during exams or reduced deadlines.
For some, getting an ADHD diagnosis may be a lengthy process, particularly when their GP doesn't take them seriously or doesn't believe that they're suffering from the symptoms. If this is the case for you, we recommend reading our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and guidance on how you can get your GP to refer you.
4. Medication
In the UK There are many medications that are approved to treat ADHD. These include the well-known amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine and the well-known methylphenidate drug Ritalin. It is generally recommended that patients begin with a small dose of medication, which is then gradually increased over a period of visits until the patient reaches an acceptable dosage. This is usually accompanied by regular sessions with psychiatrists, to discuss side effects, and to monitor progress.
Medicines can ease the symptoms caused by ADHD and lessen the burden they place on families, individuals and workplaces. They work by increasing neurotransmitters, which enable brain cells to communicate. Finding the right drug is very individual, and can take some time. Once someone is prescribed the correct medication, it's essential to adhere to the treatment plan. If you continue to miss appointments or stop taking your medication, the symptoms may be recurrent and the medication may not be effective.
A psychiatrist expert is not able to prescribe medication during the assessment session. However, they can refer you to an expert who will go over your options for medication with you and prescribe if necessary. This may require additional titration sessions to determine the right dosage, and regular checks to ensure that your medication is working. Most of the time you will find that the NHS will not pay for your prescription and so it will incur an additional cost from your pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. If needed, this could include sending letters of recommendation to employers or schools. It could also include advice and guidance regarding medication or medical concerns between appointments by telephone calls or email (limited to 20 minutes). The initial ADHD assessment does not include the cost for the titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has struggled for years to meet the demand for adult ADHD tests for adults with ADHD. As a result, many areas have waiting times that can be as long as eight years, according to BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.
The assessment process may be lengthy, but it's vital to get a complete diagnosis. The psychiatrist who conducts your assessment will speak to you about your medical history and your lifestyle, and also the symptoms that you are experiencing and their impact on 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 clinical interview, you will receive an evaluation from your doctor which will include the diagnosis of ADHD and suggestions for treatment and ongoing support. They will also talk to you about whether and how ADHD could be a factor in any health concerns or issues that you may have.
There are a variety of types of ADHD and each one manifests differently for every person. It's important that you tell your doctor about the symptoms that you are experiencing, to determine the type of ADHD. This is why a comprehensive ADHD assessment is essential and will provide you with the best chance of finding the appropriate treatment for your issues.
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. Patients can self-refer to an individual mental health professional which can give faster access to specialists with experience in adult ADHD. This process usually begins with a consultation with psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessment.