The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health system will cover your medication and assessment when you decide to take the NHS route. However, the NHS typically has lengthy waiting times.
In England You can also have your ADHD evaluation privately funded via the 'Right to Choose" pathway. However the services you choose must be clinically appropriate and must not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment, you will work with a psychiatrist who is senior to fully comprehend your thoughts of presentations, experiences and thoughts. You will be asked about your family background as well as any mental issues that you've had in the past. The psychiatrist will gather information using a variety of sources like symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and talk to you, your family members or close friends, about how ADHD symptoms impact your life in various scenarios.
Depending on your healthcare professional's opinion, it could be necessary for them to determine if your symptoms are better explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that mimic or coexist alongside ADHD. For instance anxiety disorders often be similar to symptoms of ADHD and can have a similar impact on the work environment and relationships. Before considering medication or other treatments, it is crucial to rule out any other disorders that may cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you decide to utilize the NHS the first step is to visit your GP to discuss the reasons you believe you have ADHD symptoms. Your GP must take this seriously and refer you for an assessment. The NHS assessment wait times can be lengthy. If you are unable to wait, you may choose the private route which is more expensive, but has shorter waiting times.
In your appointment, you'll be asked questions and administered the QbTest, a computerised test that tests the primary ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity, and attention. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, so that you can record instances of how you have experienced them in your daily life. The psychiatrist will then assess your answers and discuss the next steps should be, including if you would like to look into medication options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are a much faster option than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it can 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 children and adults are able to access ADHD assessments through the NHS through an appointment with a doctor. However, the BBC's investigation has revealed long waits to consult a specialist. For instance, a woman in Sheffield has been waiting for over two years. Her symptoms include suicidal tendencies, which can be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, patients with ADHD should be assessed by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the assessment a psychiatrist will interview and examine the person with questionnaires and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will then evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.
People with ADHD tend to manage their symptoms with strategies like diaries, calendars and post-it notepads. However, these strategies aren't always efficient. They can even lead to more stress and confusion, particularly for those already suffering from mental health conditions. The evaluation will also include a physical examination and a review of medical background.
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 available to everyone who has a registered GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can request an individual service that is partnered with NHS offer an ADHD assessment. If the service is accredited by NHS and does not charge more than NHS or NHS, you can ask to be advised.
3. Diagnosis
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse will typically conduct an ADHD assessment, based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). Adults may also be assessed for comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression.
During your appointment, you will discuss with the consultant your current symptoms and any family history. You'll be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems. During this process, the expert will evaluate the way your behavior affects others in your life, like your partner or children.
The doctor will take all the information into account to help determine whether you meet the requirements for ADHD and its subtypes. Your specialist will then explain their findings and recommend the best treatment options.
If the psychiatrist suggests medication then a prescription will be issued for you to visit a pharmacy of your choice. adhd uk assessment of prescriptions covers the administrative procedure but do not cover the cost of the medication themselves, which you will be required to pay for separately. Additional appointments are possible 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 should know, such as your employer or school. Our specialists can also write recommendation letters for accommodations to your education for students, such as additional time in exams or shortened deadlines.
Certain people may have difficulty obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, especially if their GP doesn't believe 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 to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist.
4. Medication
In the UK There are many medications that are approved for treating ADHD. These are often stimulants, including the well-known methylphenidate drug (Ritalin) and the newest amphetamine based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). In the beginning, it is advised that patients begin with a low dose of medication, which is titrated up over several appointments until a patient has stabilized on their dosage. This is often accompanied with regular sessions with psychiatrists to discuss any side effects, and to monitor the progress.
The medications can reduce symptoms of ADHD and reduce the burden they impose on people, families and employers. They work by increasing neurotransmitters, which allow brain cells to communicate. Finding the right medication is an individual matter and takes some time. Once someone is prescribed the correct medication, it's important to adhere to their treatment regimen. Inability to attend appointments or discontinuing their medication could cause symptoms to return and the medication not working as efficiently.
A specialist psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment, but they will be able to refer you on to an expert nurse who will discuss the options for medication and prescribe if necessary. This could require additional titration appointments to get the right dose and regular reviews to monitor the effectiveness of your medication. In general the NHS does not cover your prescription and therefore you will have to pay an additional charge from your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. If necessary, this includes sending recommendation letters to employers or schools. Email or brief phone conversations (limited to 20 minutes) can be used to offer advice and guidance on medication or medical questions in between appointments. However, the costs associated with monitoring and titration 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 assessment. According to BBC research, waiting times in many areas can exceed 8 years.
The assessment process can be lengthy but is necessary to get a thorough diagnosis. The doctor who conducts your assessment will talk to you about your medical history and your lifestyle, as well as the symptoms that you are experiencing and how they affect your daily routine. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires or rate scales that will help the specialist evaluate your condition.
After the interview, your doctor will write the report, which will provide you with the diagnosis and suggestions for ongoing treatment and support for ADHD. They will also talk to you about whether or how ADHD could be a contributing factor to any health concerns or issues that you face.
There are a variety of types of ADHD and each manifests differently for every person. It is essential to tell your specialist the symptoms you're experiencing, so they can determine the type of ADHD. This is the reason a thorough ADHD assessment is essential and will give you the best chance of locating the right treatment for your specific symptoms.
Private healthcare providers can provide an alternative route to an ADHD assessment for those who are able to accelerate the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Individuals can self-refer directly to an independent mental health practitioner which can give quicker access to specialists with experience in adult ADHD. This process often begins with an initial consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessments.