The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you choose to go the NHS route, your assessment and treatment will be covered by the national health care system. The NHS is well-known for its long waiting times.
You can also get your ADHD assessment privately funded through the 'Right to Choose option in England. The services you select must be relevant to the clinical setting and not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the evaluation, you'll be paired with a seasoned psychiatrist to help you understand your thoughts, presentations, and experiences. You will be asked questions about your family background as well as any mental issues that you've faced in the past. The psychiatrist will gather data from a variety sources including symptoms checklists, behavior rating scales, and talk to you, your family or close friends about how ADHD symptoms impact you in different situations.
Depending on your healthcare professional's opinion, it could be necessary to determine if your symptoms are better explained by medical or psychiatric disorders that mimic or coexist alongside ADHD. Anxiety disorders, for example may present with symptoms similar to ADHD and can have a similar effect on work and relationships. Before considering medication or other treatments, it is crucial to rule out any other disorders that could cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you decide to go the NHS route, the first step will be to visit your GP and provide the reason why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should consider this to be an issue that is serious and send you for an assessment. However waiting times for NHS assessments can be very long. If you're unable to wait, you may choose the private route which can be more expensive but offers shorter waiting times.
During your appointment, you'll be asked to fill in several questionnaires, and then the QbTest (a computer-generated test that measures core ADHD symptoms of activity, attention and impulsivity) will be administered. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, so that you can record examples of how you experience them in your life. The psychiatrist will review your answers and discuss the next steps. This could include examining medication options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are more efficient than waiting for a NHS appointment. However, it is also more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients can vary from PS240 to PS2500. This includes the assessment, as well as a full diagnosis report as well as medication costs.
In the UK, children and adults are able to access ADHD assessments through the NHS through the referral of a 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 to see a specialist. Her symptoms include suicidal impulses which could be an indication of undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, a patient who suffers from ADHD is assessed by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the examination the psychiatrist will examine and interview the person by using questionnaires and observations of their behavior. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.
People with ADHD frequently employ strategies such as diaries, calendars and post-it notes to manage their symptoms. However, these methods aren't always effective. These methods can cause confusion and stress, especially in those with mental health issues. The assessment will include physical examination and a review medical history.
The NHS has a scheme called Right to Choose, which lets you choose the location to which you're referred for an assessment. Anyone registered with a GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this scheme. You can request to be recommended to a private company that is partnered with the NHS which offers an ADHD assessment, as long that they're licensed by NHS and do not charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD assessment is typically conducted by psychiatrists or specialist nurses and follows the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Adults may also be screened for co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and your family history with the consultant. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. During this process the expert will note your behaviour and how it affects others such as your spouse or your children.
The specialist will take all of information into consideration to help determine whether you meet the requirements for ADHD, including its subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and recommend the best course of treatment.
If the psychiatrist recommends medication the prescription will be issued for you to take to a pharmacist of your choice. Prescription fees cover the administrative procedure but do not cover the cost of the drugs that you be required to pay for separately. If you require a medication titration, additional appointments could be required until you're stable with the medication.
It's important that you share your diagnosis with your GP as well as anyone else who needs to be aware of it, like your school or employer. Our experts can provide letters of recommendation to request educational accommodations like extended time during exams, or shorter deadlines.
For some, getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a lengthy process particularly if their GP does not take the diagnosis seriously or doesn't believe that they're suffering from the symptoms. If this is you then you should check out our guide on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and advice about how to get your GP to refer to you.
4. Medication
In the UK there are a variety of medications that are approved to treat ADHD. These stimulants include the well-known amphetamine based medication lisdexamfetamine, and the well-known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. It is generally recommended that patients start with a small amount of medication, which is gradually increased over a number of appointments until the patient has reached an acceptable dosage. This is often followed by regular sessions with psychiatrists to discuss any the effects of medication and track progress.
The medications can reduce symptoms of ADHD and ease the burden they place on families, individuals and employers. They do this by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters which enable brain cells to communicate with one with each other. Finding the right medication is an individual matter and may take some time. Once someone is prescribed the appropriate medication, it's important to stick to the treatment program. Continuing to miss appointments or discontinuing their medication could result in symptoms recurring and the medication not working as efficiently.
An expert psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment, but they will be able to refer you on to a specialist nurse who will discuss the options for medication and prescribe if appropriate. This will involve further periodic titration sessions to ensure you are receiving the right dosage, and regular reviews to check the effectiveness of your medication. The NHS typically does not pay for prescriptions, which means you'll have to pay an additional fee at your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. If necessary, this includes sending letters of recommendation to schools or employers. Brief phone conversations or email (limited to 20 min) can be used to give advice and assistance with medical or medication concerns in between appointments. However, the cost of monitoring and titration are not included in an initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for years to meet demand for adult ADHD assessment. According to online assessment for adhd , waiting times in many areas can exceed 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 medical history and lifestyle as well as your symptoms and their impact on your life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the consultant evaluate how you're feeling.
Following the clinical interview after the clinical interview, you will receive an evaluation from your doctor which will include the diagnosis of ADHD and suggestions for treatment and ongoing support. They will also talk with you whether ADHD is a contributing factor to any health issues or concerns you might have.
There are several different types of ADHD and each manifests differently for every person. It is crucial to inform your specialist the symptoms you are experiencing, so that they can determine the kind of ADHD. This is why a comprehensive ADHD assessment is essential and will provide you with the best chance of locating the appropriate treatment for your specific symptoms.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative to the NHS for those who want to avoid waiting in line and wish to speed up their ADHD assessment. Self-referrals to private mental health services permit individuals to get access to specialists with expertise in adult ADHD quicker. This process usually starts with a meeting with psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessment.