The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you choose to go the NHS route, your assessment and medication will be covered by the national health care system. However the NHS generally has long waiting times.
You can also have your ADHD assessment funded privately through the 'Right to choose' pathway in England. 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 fully understand your thoughts of presentations, experiences and thoughts. You will be asked about your family history and any mental issues you've experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will gather information from a variety of sources, including symptoms checklists, behavior rating scales, and talk to you, your family members or close friends about how ADHD symptoms impact you in various situations.
Based on the healthcare expert's judgment, it could be necessary to assess whether or not your symptoms may be explained more effectively by other medical or psychiatric disorders that coexist with ADHD. Anxiety disorders, for example, can present with symptoms similar to ADHD and have a similar effect on work and relationships. Before deciding on medication or other treatments, it is important 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 go to your GP to discuss the reasons you believe you have ADHD symptoms. Your GP should be aware of this and refer you to an assessment. However, waiting times for NHS assessments can be lengthy. If you're not able to wait, you may opt for the private route, which can be more expensive, but has shorter wait times.
During your appointment you will be asked a few questions and then administered the QbTest, a computerised test that tests the primary ADHD symptoms of impulsivity and activity as well as attention. It is important to familiarise 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 evaluate your answers and discuss the next steps are, including if you would like to look into the possibility of medication.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are more efficient than waiting for an NHS appointment. It is also more costly. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients could range from PS240 to 2500. This includes the assessment as well as a comprehensive diagnosis report and the cost of medication.
In the UK Adults and children can obtain ADHD assessments through the NHS through a referral from their GP. The BBC's investigation has revealed that there are long waiting times to consult a specialist. One woman in Sheffield for instance is waiting for two years. Her symptoms include suicidal tendencies which could be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, a patient with ADHD is assessed by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the assessment psychiatrists will interview and examine the patient through questionnaires and observe their behaviour. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on everyday life.
People suffering from ADHD typically employ strategies such as calendars, diaries and post-it notes to manage their symptoms. However, these methods aren't always successful. They can lead to anxiety and confusion, especially for those who suffer from mental health issues. The assessment will also include a physical examination and an examination of medical history.
The NHS offers a program called Right to Choose, which allows you to choose where you're referred for an assessment. Anyone registered with an GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this program. You can ask to be directed to a private clinic which is affiliated with the NHS that offers an ADHD assessment, so long that they're licensed by NHS and do not charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse typically conducts an ADHD assessment, using the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). Adults may also be screened for comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression.
During your appointment, you'll discuss with your doctor your current symptoms as well as any family history. You'll be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems. In this process, the expert will note your behaviour and how it impacts others like your spouse or your children.
The doctor will take all the data into consideration to help determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD as well as its subtypes. Your specialist will explain their findings and then discuss with you the best course of action.
If the psychiatrist recommends a medication you will be given the prescription to take to any pharmacy of your choosing. The prescription fees are for administrative purposes only and don't cover the cost of medications. You will have to pay for the medication. Additional appointments might be required if you need to titrate your medication.
It is essential to share your diagnosis with your GP as well as anyone else who might need to know about it, such your school or employer. Our specialists can provide letters of recommendation for accommodations in your education like extra 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 suggest reading our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and guidance on how you can get your GP to recommend you to a specialist.
4. Medication
In the UK there are a variety of medications that are approved for treating ADHD. These are typically stimulants and include the well-known medication methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the newer amphetamine-based medicine, lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). It is generally recommended that patients start with a small dose of medication, which is then gradually increased over a series of appointments until the patient reaches an acceptable dosage. This is often accompanied with regular meetings with psychiatrists, to discuss side effects, and to monitor progress.
The medications can reduce symptoms of ADHD and ease the burden they place on families, people and employers. They function by increasing neurotransmitters that enable brain cells to communicate. However, the right medication is a matter of individual preference and determining it may take time. Once a person has been prescribed the correct medication, it is crucial that they stick to their treatment plan. adhd assessments to attend appointments or discontinuing their medication could lead to symptoms returning and the medication not working as efficiently.
A psychiatrist expert will not prescribe medication in the assessment session. However, they can refer you to an expert who will go over your options for medication with you and prescribe if necessary. This will involve further titration appointments to get the correct dosage and regular reviews to monitor the effectiveness of your medication. Typically the NHS will not pay for your prescription and so this would incur an additional cost from your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendation letters to employers or schools, when needed. It could also include advice and guidance on medication or medical concerns that arise between appointments through email or brief phone calls (limited to 20 minutes). The initial ADHD assessment does not include the cost for titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for years to meet the demands for adult ADHD assessment. In the end, some areas are experiencing waiting times that can be as long as eight years, according to BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.
The process of assessment is long, but essential to get a thorough diagnosis. The psychiatrist who will conduct the assessment will talk to you about your medical history and lifestyle, as well as your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the consultant assess how you are feeling.
After the clinical interview, your doctor will put together the report, which will provide you with a diagnosis and recommendations for ongoing treatment and support in the event that you suffer from 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 have.
There are different kinds of ADHD and they appear differently in each individual. It's important that you tell your doctor about the symptoms that you're experiencing so they can determine the kind of ADHD. This is why a comprehensive ADHD assessment is crucial and will give you the most effective chance of finding the appropriate treatment for your issues.
Private healthcare providers offer an alternative method of ADHD assessment for those who are able to accelerate the process and avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health professionals permit individuals to get access to experts who are knowledgeable about adult ADHD quicker. The process typically starts with a consultation with psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who has experience in adult ADHD assessment.