The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health system will cover your medication and assessment if you choose to go the NHS route. However the NHS typically has long waiting times.
In England, you can also get your ADHD evaluation funded privately through the "Right to choose" option. The services you select must be relevant to the clinical setting and not cost more than NHS services.
1. In- adhd assessments
During the assessment you will collaborate with a psychiatrist who is experienced to analyze 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 had in the past. The psychiatrist will collect information from a variety of sources, including symptoms checklists, behavior rating scales and speaking to you, your family members or close friends, about how ADHD symptoms impact you in various situations.
Based on your healthcare professional's judgement, it could be necessary for them to determine if your symptoms can be better explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that mimic or coexist alongside ADHD. Anxiety disorders, like may present with symptoms similar to ADHD and have an impact similar to ADHD on work and relationships. It is therefore important to rule out any other disorder that may cause symptoms of ADHD before proceeding to consider the use of medications or other treatments for the disorder.
The NHS Route
If you choose to utilize the NHS the first step is to visit your GP to explain why you think you may have ADHD symptoms. Your GP must consider this an issue that is serious and send you for an assessment. The NHS assessment wait times can be lengthy. If you're not able to wait, you may opt for the private route which is more expensive but offers shorter waiting times.
During your appointment, you will be asked a few questions and administered the QbTest, a computerised test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of impulsivity and activity as well as attention. It is important to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to describe how you experience these traits in your everyday life. The psychiatrist will assess your answers, and then discuss the next steps. This could include examining the options for medication.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are an efficient alternative to waiting for an NHS appointment. It's also more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can vary between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, a comprehensive diagnosis report, and the cost of medication.
In the UK, adults or children can receive ADHD assessments through the NHS with an appointment from their doctor. However, a BBC investigation shows that there are long wait times to consult an expert. One woman from Sheffield, for example has waited for two years. Her symptoms include suicidal tendencies which could be an indication of undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, patients who suffers from ADHD is assessed by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). In the course of the assessment, a psychiatrist will interview and examine the person through questionnaires and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will determine the severity of ADHD and the impact it has on daily living.
People suffering from ADHD frequently employ strategies such as diaries, calendars, and post-it note to manage their symptoms. However, these strategies aren't always effective. They can lead to confusion and stress, especially in people with mental health issues. The evaluation will include physical examination and a review of the medical history.
The NHS has a scheme called Right to Choose, which lets you choose where you're referred for an assessment. This is open to anyone who has a registered GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can ask to have a private clinic that's affiliated with NHS provide an ADHD assessment. If the service is accredited by NHS and doesn't charge higher than NHS, you can request to be advised.
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 may also be assessed for comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll talk about your current symptoms and your family background with the physician. You'll be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems. During this process the expert will evaluate your behavior and how it affects others such as your spouse or your children.
The doctor will take all the data into consideration to help determine if you meet the criteria for ADHD as well as its subtypes. The specialist will then outline their findings and discuss the best treatment options.
If the psychiatrist recommends medication then a prescription will be provided for you to take to a pharmacy of your choice. The cost of prescriptions is intended for administrative use only and don't cover the cost of medications. You'll have to pay for the medication. Additional appointments are possible in the event that you require a titration of your medication.
It is important to discuss your diagnosis with your GP and anyone else who may need to be aware of it, like your school or employer. Our specialists can write letters of recommendation to request educational accommodations such as additional time during exams or a reduction in deadlines.
Certain people may find it difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis, particularly when their GP isn't convinced that they exhibit the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we suggest going through our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and advice on how to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist.
4. Medication
There are many medicines that are approved to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. These are typically stimulants, including the well-known methylphenidate drug (Ritalin) and the newer amphetamine-based medicine, Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). It is typical to suggest that patients begin with a small amount of medication, and then gradually increased over a series of visits until the patient reaches a stable dosage. This is usually accompanied by regular sessions with psychiatrists, to discuss side effects, and monitor the progress.
The medications can lessen the symptoms of ADHD and ease the burden they place on families, people and employers. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters which allow brain cells to communicate with one with each other. Finding the right medication is very individual and may take some time. Once a person is on the correct medication, it is crucial to adhere to their treatment plan. Inability to attend appointments or stop taking their medication can result in symptoms recurring and the medication not working as well.
A psychiatrist expert is not able to prescribe medication during the assessment session. However, they may refer you to a specialist who will discuss your options for medication with you and prescribe if necessary. 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. Typically the NHS does not cover your prescription and therefore you will have to pay an additional cost for your pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendations to schools or employers if needed. Brief phone conversations or email (limited to 20 min) can be used to offer advice and guidance on medical or medication questions between appointments. However, the cost of monitoring and titration are not included in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for a long time to meet demand for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. According to BBC research waiting times in many areas can exceed 8 years.
The assessment process can be long however it is essential to have a clear diagnosis. The psychiatrist conducting your assessment will be in contact with you about your medical history and lifestyle and also your symptoms and their impact on your life. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires or rate scales to help the consultant evaluate your condition.
After the clinical interview you will receive the report of your specialist that will include a diagnosis of ADHD and recommendations for treatment and ongoing support. They will also talk to you about whether and how ADHD might be a contributing factor to any health concerns or issues that you have.
There are a variety of types of ADHD, and each presents differently in every individual. It's important that you tell your doctor about the symptoms that you're experiencing to determine the type of ADHD. A thorough ADHD assessment will help you find the appropriate treatment.
Private healthcare providers can provide an alternative to an ADHD assessment for those who are in a position 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 more rapid access to specialists with expertise in adult ADHD. This procedure usually begins with an initial consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD evaluations.