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. The NHS is notorious for its lengthy waiting times.
In England, you can also get your ADHD evaluation privately funded via the "Right to choose" option. However the services you choose must be clinically appropriate and must not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the evaluation, you'll be paired with a seasoned psychiatrist to analyze your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will be asked about your family history and any mental issues you've faced in the past. The psychiatrist will then collect data from several sources such as symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales as well as speaking with you and your relatives or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different environments.
Depending on your healthcare professional's opinion, it could be necessary for them to determine if your symptoms can be more easily explained by medical or psychiatric disorders that mimic or coexist alongside ADHD. For instance anxiety disorders often manifest similarly to symptoms of ADHD and can have the same impact on work and relationships. Before considering any medication or other treatments, it is important to determine if there are any other disorders that could trigger symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you decide to use the NHS the first step is to go to your GP to discuss the reasons you believe you suffer from ADHD symptoms. Your GP should consider this to be a serious matter and send you for an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be long. If you can't wait, you can choose the private route, which is more expensive but has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment, you'll be asked to fill out several questionnaires. Then, the QbTest (a computer-based test that tests the core ADHD symptoms of activity, attention and impulsivity) will be administered. It is important to be familiar with the signs of ADHD so you can describe how you experience these characteristics in your everyday life. The psychiatrist will then assess your answers and discuss the next steps should be, including if you would like to consider pursuing the possibility of medication.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is an option that is quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it is also more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients could range from PS240 to 2500. This includes the assessment, a full diagnosis report, and the cost of medication.
In the UK, adults and children can access ADHD assessments through the NHS through an appointment with a doctor. However, a BBC investigation has revealed that there are long wait times to consult an expert. For example, one woman from Sheffield has been waiting for two years. The symptoms she has are suicidal thoughts, which can be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, a patient who suffers from ADHD should be evaluated by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the assessment psychiatrists will interview and examine the person using questionnaires, and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.
People with ADHD often use strategies like diaries, calendars and post-it notes to manage their symptoms. But, these strategies aren't always efficient. They can cause more stress and confusion, particularly for those already struggling with mental health conditions. The assessment will also include a physical examination and an examination of medical history.
The NHS has a scheme known as Right to Choose, which lets you choose the location to which you're referred for an assessment. Anyone who has an GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this program. You can request to be recommended to a private company partnered with the NHS that offers an ADHD assessment, so long as they're licensed by the NHS and don't charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD assessment is typically conducted by psychiatrists or specialist nurses and follows the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Adults may also be screened for comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety.
During your appointment, you'll discuss with your doctor your current symptoms and any family history. You'll be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems. In this process, the expert will evaluate your behavior and how it affects others such as your spouse or your children.
The specialist will take all of the information into account to determine whether you meet the requirements for ADHD as well as its subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and recommend the best method of treatment.
If a psychiatrist suggests a medication, you will receive an order to take it to any pharmacy of your choosing. The prescription fees are for the administrative process only and do not cover the cost of medication. You will have to pay for the medication. If you need a medication titration, additional appointments may be required until you're stable on the medication.
Once you've been diagnosed, it's important to share the results with your GP and anyone else who needs to know, such as your employer or school. Our specialists can also write recommendation letters for accommodations to your education, such as extra time in exams or shortened deadlines.
For some, getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a long process, especially if their GP does not take the diagnosis seriously or doesn't believe they're suffering from the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we suggest going through our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and suggestions on how to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist.
4. Medication
In the UK There are many medications that are approved to treat ADHD. They are usually stimulants, including the well-known methylphenidate medication (Ritalin) and the newest amphetamine based medicine lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). It is generally recommended that patients start with a small amount of medication, and then gradually increased over a number of visits until the patient is at a stable dosage. This is usually followed by regular meetings with psychiatrists, to discuss side effects, and monitor progress.
The medication can help reduce symptoms of ADHD and ease the burden they put on people, families and employers. They help by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters that enable brain cells to communicate with each and each other. Finding the right medication is an individual matter and takes some time. When someone is prescribed the appropriate medication, it's crucial to stick with their treatment program. If you continue to fail to attend appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms may come back and the medication might not work as effectively.
A qualified psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment session, but they can refer you on to a specialist nurse who will discuss your options for medication and prescribe if appropriate. This will require further titration sessions to determine the appropriate dosage, and regular checks to ensure that the medication is working. The NHS generally does not pay for prescriptions, so you'll need to pay an additional fee at the pharmacy.
Private clinics can also charge for follow-up consultations. cost of adhd assessment includes writing and sending recommendation letters to schools or employers in the event that they are needed. Brief phone conversations or email (limited to 20 minutes) can be used to offer advice and assistance with medical or medication questions between appointments. The initial ADHD assessment does not include the cost for the titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for years to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessment. According to BBC research waiting times in a variety of areas could be as long as 8 years.
The assessment process is lengthy, but essential for a thorough diagnostic. The psychiatrist conducting your examination will talk to you about your lifestyle and medical history, as well as your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the consultant determine how you feel.
After the interview, your specialist will put together a report that will give you the diagnosis and suggestions for ongoing support and treatment in the event that you suffer from ADHD. They will also discuss with you if ADHD is a factor in any health problems or issues you might have.
There are different kinds of ADHD and they appear differently in every individual. This is why it's essential to understand the exact symptoms you're experiencing so that your specialist can identify the right type of ADHD. This is the reason a thorough ADHD assessment is crucial and will provide you with the best chance of locating the appropriate treatment for your specific symptoms.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative route to an ADHD assessment for those who are able to speed up the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Individuals can make a self-referral directly to an individual mental health professional and get quicker access to specialists with experience in adult ADHD. This procedure usually starts with a first consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessments.