The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health service will cover your medication and assessment when you decide to take the NHS route. The NHS is notorious for its lengthy waiting times.
You can also get your ADHD assessment privately funded through the 'Right to choose option in England. However, the services you can select must be appropriate for your needs and not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will work with an experienced psychiatrist to analyze your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will also 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 gather information from a number of sources such as symptom checklists and scales for assessing behavior and will also talk to you and your relatives or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different environments.
Based on your doctor's judgment, it may be essential to determine if your symptoms are more easily explained by medical or psychiatric disorders that are akin to or coexist with ADHD. Anxiety disorders, like, can present with symptoms that are similar to ADHD and can have a similar effect on work and relationships. It is therefore important to rule out other disorders that can cause symptoms of ADHD before proceeding to look into treatment options or medications for the disorder.
The NHS Route
If you decide to use the NHS, your first step is to visit your GP to explain why you think you may have ADHD symptoms. Your GP should consider this to be a serious matter and refer you to an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be long. If you are unable to wait, you can choose the private route which is more expensive, but has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment you will be asked questions and then administered the QbTest which is a computer-based test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity, and attention. You should be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD so that you can articulate how you experience these traits in your daily life. The psychiatrist will then assess your answers and discuss what the next steps to take and whether you would like to consider pursuing the possibility of medication.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are an efficient alternative to waiting for a NHS appointment. However, it can be more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients could range from PS240 to 2500. This includes the assessment, a complete diagnosis report, and the cost of medication.
In the UK adults and children can obtain ADHD assessments through the NHS through the help of their GP. The BBC's investigation reveals that there are lengthy waiting times to visit specialists. One woman in Sheffield, for example, has been waiting two years for a specialist. Her symptoms include suicidal tendencies, which can be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, a patient who suffers from ADHD is assessed by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). In the course of the assessment, psychiatrists will interview and examine the person with questionnaires and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will then evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on everyday life.
Visit Web Page suffering from ADHD typically employ strategies such as diaries, calendars, and post-it note to manage their symptoms. However, these strategies aren't always efficient. These methods can cause confusion and stress, especially in people with mental health issues. The evaluation will also include an examination of the body and a review of medical background.
Right to Choose is a scheme of the NHS which allows you to select where you are assessed. This is open to anyone who is registered with a GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can request to be recommended to a private company that is partnered with the NHS that can provide an ADHD assessment, so long they're licensed by the NHS and do not charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD assessment is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse and is based on the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Adults can also be evaluated for comorbid disorders like anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll talk about your current symptoms and your family background with the physician. They'll also ask you to fill out 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 consider all the evidence to determine if you are in line with the ADHD criteria including subtypes. Your doctor will explain their findings and then discuss with you the best treatment.
If your doctor recommends a medicine you will be issued a prescription to take to any pharmacy of your choosing. Prescription fees cover the administrative process and do not include the cost of the medications themselves, which you'll be required to pay for separately. Additional appointments are possible when you have to adjust your medication.
It is important to discuss your diagnosis with your GP as well as anyone else who may need to know about it, such your school or employer. Our specialists can provide letters of recommendation for educational accommodations such as extended time during exams, or a reduction in deadlines.
Some people might have difficulty obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, especially when their GP does not believe that they have the symptoms. If this is the case 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. They are usually stimulants and include the well-known medication methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the newest amphetamine-based medicine, Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Initially, it is usually advised that patients begin with a small dose of medication which is then gradually increased over a number of appointments until a patient is stabilized on their dosage. This is often followed by regular sessions with a psychiatrist to discuss side effects and monitor the progress.
The use of medication can ease the many symptoms caused by ADHD and lessen the burden they put on families, individuals and workplaces. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters which allow brain cells to communicate with each other. Finding the right medication is an individual matter, and can take some time. Once a person has been prescribed the right medication, it's vital that they stick to their treatment plan. If you continue to miss appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms can come back and the medication might not work as effectively.
An expert psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment session However, they will be able to refer you on to an expert nurse who will discuss medication options and prescribe if necessary. This may require further titration sessions to determine the appropriate dosage and periodic reviews to ensure that the medication is working. In general you will find that the NHS will not cover your prescription, so you will have to pay an additional charge from your pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendations to employers or schools if required. It can include advice and direction regarding medication or medical concerns that arise between appointments through telephone calls or email (limited to 20 minutes). However, the costs associated with monitoring and titration are not included in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has long struggled to meet demand for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. This has meant that many areas face waiting times that can be as long as eight years, as per BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.
The assessment process may be long however it is essential for a thorough diagnosis. The doctor who conducts 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 might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the consultant assess how you are feeling.
After the interview you will receive a report from your specialist that will include the diagnosis of ADHD and treatment recommendations and ongoing support. They will also discuss with you whether 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 important to identify the specific symptoms you are experiencing so that your specialist will be able to determine the appropriate type of ADHD. A thorough ADHD assessment will help you find the appropriate treatment.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative route to an ADHD assessment for individuals who are in a position to speed up the process and avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health services will allow people to connect with experts who are knowledgeable about adult ADHD more quickly. This process often starts with a first consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD evaluations.