The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health service will provide your medical and assessment if you choose to go the NHS route. However the NHS generally has long waiting times.
In England, you can also have your ADHD assessment privately funded through the "Right to Choose" route. The services you select must be clinically relevant and not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will work with a psychiatrist who is senior to understand your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will be asked questions about your family history and any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will then gather information from various sources, including 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 environments.
Depending on your healthcare professional's opinion, it could be necessary to determine if your symptoms can be more easily explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that mimic or coexist with ADHD. For example anxiety disorders may present similarly to symptoms of ADHD and may have a similar impact on the work environment and relationships. It is therefore crucial to rule out other disorders that can cause symptoms of ADHD before moving on to look at medications or other treatments for the disorder.
The NHS Route
If you decide to take the NHS route, the first step will be to see your GP and explain why you think you have symptoms of ADHD. Your GP should treat this as serious issue and send you for an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be long. If you are unable to wait, you may choose the private route, which is more expensive but offers shorter wait times.
During your appointment you will be asked some questions and administered the QbTest which is a computer-based test that tests the primary ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity, and attention. It is important to be familiar with the signs of ADHD so you can describe the ways you experience these symptoms in your everyday life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers and determine the next steps are and whether you would like to explore the possibility of medication.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is an option that is much faster than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, how to get an adhd assessment uk can be more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment as well as a full diagnosis report and medication costs.
In the UK, adults and children can access ADHD assessments on the NHS through the referral of a GP. However, the BBC's investigation has revealed that there are long waits to see an expert. One woman from Sheffield, for example has waited for two years for a specialist. Suicidal tendencies are among her symptoms, which could be a sign that she has undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, a patient who suffers from ADHD is assessed by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the assessment a psychiatrist will interview and examine the person with questionnaires and observe their behaviour. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on everyday life.
People with ADHD often attempt to manage their symptoms using strategies like diaries, calendars and post-it notepads. These strategies are not always effective. These methods can cause anxiety and confusion, especially in those with mental health issues. The evaluation will include physical examination and a review 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 a GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this program. You can ask to be recommended to a private company partnered with the NHS that offers an ADHD assessment, as long as they're licensed by the NHS and don't charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist will typically conduct an ADHD assessment, using the criteria laid out 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 complete questionnaires or rating systems. In this process, the expert will evaluate how your behavior impacts other people in your life, like your partner or children.
The psychiatrist will consider all the data to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria, including subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and discuss the best course of treatment.
If the doctor recommends a medication the prescription will be given to you to take to a pharmacy of your preference. The prescription fees are for the administrative process only and do not cover the cost of medications. You will have to pay separately for the medication. If you need an adjustment of your medication, additional appointments may be required until you're stable with the medication.
It is essential to share your diagnosis with your GP as well as anyone else who may need to be aware of it, such as your school or employer. Our specialists can also write recommendation letters for educational accommodations, such as extra time in exams or shortened deadlines.
Some people might have difficulty obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, particularly if their GP doesn't believe they exhibit the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we recommend taking a look at our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and advice on how to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist.
4. Medication
In the UK, a number medications are approved to treat ADHD. These include the well-known amphetamine-based medication Lisdexamfetamine, as well as the well-known methylphenidate drug Ritalin. At first, it's recommended that patients start with a small dose of medication that is gradually increased over a number of appointments until a patient has stabilized on their dosage. This is usually accompanied by regular sessions with psychiatrists, to discuss side effects and track progress.
The medications can lessen the symptoms of ADHD and reduce the burden they put on families, people and employers. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters which enable brain cells to communicate with one other. But, the best medication is a matter of individual preference and determining it could take time. Once a patient is prescribed the appropriate medication, it's crucial to adhere to the treatment plan. If you continue to fail to attend appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms may be recurrent and the medication may not be effective.
A psychiatrist expert will not prescribe medication in the assessment session. However, they will refer you to an expert who will go over your options for medication with you and, if needed, prescribe. This could require additional appointment for titration to determine the right dosage, 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 cost from your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending letters of recommendation to employers or schools, if needed. It could include guidance and advice on medication or medical concerns that arise between appointments through emails or phone calls (limited to 20 minutes). However, the cost of the titration process and follow-up appointments are not included in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for years to meet the demands for adult ADHD assessment. According to BBC research, waiting times in many areas can be as long as 8 years.
The assessment process may be lengthy, but it's vital to get a complete diagnosis. The psychiatrist who will conduct your assessment will be in contact with you about your lifestyle and medical history and also your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. You might also be asked fill out questionnaires or rate scales to help the consultant assess your condition.
After the interview, your specialist will put together an assessment report that will give you the diagnosis and suggestions for ongoing support and treatment for ADHD. They will also inform you about whether and how ADHD could be a factor in any health issues or concerns that you may have.
There are several different types of ADHD and each one manifests differently in every individual. It is essential to tell your doctor about the symptoms that you're experiencing, so that they can determine the kind of ADHD. This is why a comprehensive ADHD assessment is essential and will give you the best chance of locating the best treatment for your symptoms.
Private healthcare providers offer an alternative to an ADHD assessment for those who are able to speed up the process and avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health providers can allow individuals to access specialists who specialize in adult ADHD more quickly. This process often begins with an initial consultation with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist with experience in adult ADHD assessments.