The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you choose to go the NHS method, your evaluation and treatment will be covered by the national health care system. However the NHS generally has long waiting times.
You can also obtain your ADHD assessment funded privately through the 'Right to choose option in England. The services you choose to use must be clinically relevant and not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will work with an experienced psychiatrist to help you understand your thoughts, presentations, and experiences. You will be asked questions about your family history as well as any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will then collect information from a number of sources, including symptom checklists and scales of behavior rating as well as speaking to you and your relatives or close friends about how ADHD symptoms can affect you in various settings.
Based on the healthcare expert's judgment, it could be necessary to assess whether or not your symptoms may be explained better by other psychiatric or medical conditions that mimic or coexist with ADHD. For instance, anxiety disorders can often manifest similarly to symptoms of ADHD and can have a similar impact on work and relationships. Before deciding on medication or other treatments, it is crucial to determine if there are any other disorders that may cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you decide to take the NHS option, the first step will be to see your GP and explain why you think you are suffering from ADHD. Your GP should consider this to be an issue that is serious and send you for an assessment. However, waiting times for NHS assessments can be lengthy. If you can't wait, you can choose the private route, which is more expensive however has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment you will be asked some 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 prior to your appointment so that you can record examples of how you experience them in your life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers and determine the next steps are including if you'd like to explore medication options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are more efficient than waiting for an NHS appointment. It's also more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, a comprehensive diagnostic report and medications.
In the UK Adults and children can get ADHD assessments through the NHS through an appointment from their doctor. The BBC's investigation reveals that there are lengthy waiting times to consult a specialist. One woman from Sheffield for instance is waiting for two years to see a specialist. Suicidal thoughts are among her symptoms, and could be a sign that she is not 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 examination, a psychiatrist will examine and interview the patient, through questionnaires and observation of behavior. The psychiatrist will then assess the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD often use strategies like calendars, diaries, and post-it note to manage their symptoms. These methods are not always effective. These methods can cause anxiety and confusion, particularly for those who suffer from mental health issues. The evaluation will include a physical exam and a review medical history.
Right to Choose is a scheme offered by the NHS that lets you choose where you're assessed. This is open to anyone who's registered with a GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can ask to have a private clinic that's associated with NHS offer an ADHD assessment. As long as the service is licensed by NHS and does not charge more than NHS, you can request to be recommended.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD assessment is typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist and follows the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Adults may also be screened for comorbid disorders like depression or anxiety.
During your appointment, you will discuss with your doctor your current symptoms as well as any family history. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. During this process the expert will note your behaviour and how it affects other people, such as your partner or your children.
The psychiatrist will review all the data to determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and recommend the best method of treatment.
If the psychiatrist recommends medication then a prescription will be provided for you to take to a pharmacy of your preference. The cost of prescriptions is intended for administrative use only and do not cover the cost of medicines. You'll need to pay for the medication. If you need an titration of your medication, further appointments may be needed until you're comfortable with the medication.
It's important that you share your diagnosis with your GP and anyone else who may need to be aware of it, such as your employer or school. Our specialists can provide letters of recommendation to request educational accommodations like additional time during exams or a reduction in deadlines.
For some, getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a lengthy process, particularly in the event that 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 suggestions on how you can get your GP to send you.
4. Medication
In the UK there are a variety of medications that are approved to treat ADHD. These are often stimulants, including the well-known medication methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the newer amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). 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 has reached an appropriate dosage. This is often accompanied by regular meetings with psychiatrists to discuss any the effects of medication and track progress.
The medications can lessen the symptoms of ADHD and ease the burden they impose on families, people and employers. They function by increasing neurotransmitters, which allow brain cells to communicate. However, the right medication is a matter of individual preference and finding it can take time. Once a patient is prescribed the appropriate medication, it's important to stick with the treatment program. Continuing to miss appointments or discontinuing their medication could result in symptoms recurring and the medication not working as efficiently.
A qualified psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment however, they will be able to refer you on to an expert nurse who will discuss medication options and prescribe if appropriate. This will require further titration sessions to determine the appropriate dosage and periodic reviews to ensure that your medication is effective. The NHS does not usually pay for prescriptions, which means you will have to pay an additional fee at your pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. If necessary, this includes sending letters of recommendation to schools or employers. It could include guidance and advice on medication or medical questions between appointments via email or brief phone calls (limited to 20 minutes). The initial ADHD assessment does not include the costs for titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has struggled for years to meet demand for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. According to BBC research waiting times in many areas can be as long as 8 years.
The assessment process can be long, but it's vital to get a complete diagnosis. The psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will talk to you about your medical history and your lifestyle, as well as the symptoms you're experiencing and how they affect your daily life. You might also be asked fill out questionnaires or rating scales that will help the specialist assess your condition.
After the clinical interview, your doctor will prepare a report that will give you an assessment and recommendations for ongoing support and treatment if you have ADHD. They will also speak to you about whether or how ADHD could be a contributing factor to any health concerns or issues that you may have.
There are online assessment for adhd of ADHD and each manifests differently for every person. This is why it's crucial to understand the exact symptoms you're experiencing so that your specialist can identify the right kind of ADHD. This is the reason a thorough ADHD assessment is so important and will provide you with the most effective chance of finding the appropriate treatment for your specific symptoms.
Private healthcare providers offer an alternative method of ADHD assessment for individuals who are able to accelerate the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health providers will allow people to connect with experts who are knowledgeable about adult ADHD more quickly. This process often begins with an initial consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessments.