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. However, the NHS generally has long waiting times.
In England, you can also obtain your ADHD evaluation funded privately through the 'Right to Choose" route. However the services you select must be appropriate for your needs and must not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will work with a senior psychiatrist to fully understand your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will be asked questions regarding your family history as well as any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will then gather data from several sources, including symptom checklists and scales for assessing behavior, as well as talking to you and your family members or close friends about how ADHD symptoms can affect you in various settings.
Depending on the healthcare professional's judgement, it may be necessary to determine whether or not your symptoms may be better explained by other psychiatric or medical disorders that coexist with ADHD. Anxiety disorders, like, can present with symptoms that are similar to ADHD and can have the same effect on work and relationships. Before deciding on medication or other treatments, it is crucial to eliminate any other conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you choose to go the NHS option, the first step is to see your GP and provide the reason why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should consider this to be serious issue and refer you to an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be very long. If you are unable to wait, you may take the private route, which is more expensive but provides shorter waiting times.
At the time of your appointment, you'll be asked to complete some questionnaires, and the QbTest (a computerised test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of attention, activity, and impulsivity) will be administered. It is important to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD so you can describe how you experience these characteristics in your everyday life. The psychiatrist will then assess your answers and determine the next steps to take, including if you would like to look into medication options.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is an option that can be much quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment. It can also be more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, a full diagnostic report and medications.
In the UK adults and children can obtain ADHD assessments through the NHS through a referral from their GP. The BBC's investigation shows that there are long waiting times to consult specialists. For example, one woman in Sheffield has been waiting for over two years. Suicidal impulses are one of her symptoms. This could be a sign that she has undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments say that a patient should be examined by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the examination the psychiatrist will examine and interview the individual, through questionnaires and observation of behaviour. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD and its impact on daily living.
People with ADHD often use strategies like diaries, calendars, and post-it note to manage their symptoms. But, these strategies aren't always efficient. These methods can cause anxiety and confusion, particularly in people with mental health issues. The assessment will also include an examination of the body and an examination of medical history.
The NHS has a scheme known as Right to Choose, which allows you to choose where you're being referred to 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 directed to a private clinic which is affiliated with the NHS which offers an ADHD assessment, so long they're licensed by the NHS and do not charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse typically conducts an ADHD assessment, using the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). For adults, this includes consideration of comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression.
During your appointment, you'll discuss with the doctor your current symptoms and any family history. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. During this process, the expert will note how your behaviour impacts others in your life, including your spouse or children.
The specialist will take all of information into consideration to help determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD as well as its subtypes. Your specialist will then explain their findings and recommend the best course of treatment.
If the psychiatrist recommends a medicine you will be issued the prescription to take to any pharmacy you like. The prescription fees are for the administrative process only and don't cover the cost of medications. You will have to pay separately for the medication. Additional appointments may be needed if you need to titrate your medication.
add adhd assessment is essential to share 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 also provide recommendation letters for educational accommodations for students, such as additional time in exams or shortened deadlines.
For some people, getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a lengthy process, particularly if their GP doesn't take them seriously or doesn't believe they have the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we suggest reading our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and guidance on how to convince your GP to send you.
4. Medication
In the UK, a number medications are approved for treating ADHD. These include the well-known amphetamine-based medicine lisdexamfetamine, and the well known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. At first, it's recommended that patients start with a small dose of medication, which is gradually increased over a period of time until a patient is stabilized on their dosage. This is often followed by regular meetings with psychiatrists to discuss side effects and monitor progress.
The medications can lessen symptoms of ADHD and reduce the burden they place on families, individuals and employers. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters that enable brain cells to communicate with one other. Finding the right drug is very individual, and can take some time. Once a person is on the correct medication, it is essential that they stick to the treatment program. If you continue to fail to attend appointments or stop taking your medication, the symptoms could return and the medication may not be effective.
A psychiatrist expert will not prescribe medication in the assessment session. However, they can refer you to a specialist who will discuss your options for taking medication and, if needed, prescribe. This may require additional titration sessions to determine the right dose and regular reviews to ensure that your medication is effective. The NHS generally does not pay for prescriptions, so you'll need to pay an additional fee at your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. If necessary, this includes sending recommendation letters to schools or employers. Brief phone conversations or email (limited to 20 min) can be used to provide advice and assistance with medical or medication concerns in between appointments. The initial ADHD assessment is not inclusive of the costs for the titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for a long time to meet demand for adult ADHD assessments. As a result, many areas are experiencing wait times 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, but it's vital to have a clear diagnosis. The doctor who conducts the assessment will talk to you about your medical history and lifestyle as well as your symptoms and their impact on your life. You might also be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales to help the doctor evaluate your condition.
After the clinical interview, your doctor will put together an assessment report that will provide you with the diagnosis and suggestions for ongoing treatment and support if you have ADHD. They will also speak to you about whether or how ADHD could be a contributing factor to any health issues or concerns that you may have.
There are many different kinds of ADHD and each manifests differently in every individual. It's important that you 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 so important and will give you the best chance of finding the appropriate treatment for your specific symptoms.
Private healthcare providers are an alternative to the NHS for those who want to avoid the wait and to accelerate their ADHD evaluation. Self-referrals to private mental health professionals will allow people to connect with specialists with expertise in adult ADHD faster. The process typically starts with a consultation with psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessment.