The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health system will take care of your medication and assessments should you opt to take the NHS route. The NHS is notorious for its lengthy waiting times.
You can also obtain your ADHD assessment privately funded through the 'Right to choose' pathway in England. The services you choose must be relevant to the clinical setting and not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the examination, you will work with a senior psychiatrist to understand your thoughts presentation, experiences and experience. You will also be asked questions about your family history as well as any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will gather information from a number of sources, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales as well as speaking with you and your relatives or close friends about how ADHD symptoms can affect you in various settings.
Based on your doctor's judgment, it may be essential for them to determine if your symptoms can be more easily explained by medical or psychiatric disorders that are akin to or coexist alongside ADHD. For instance, anxiety disorders can often present similarly to symptoms of ADHD and may affect work and relationships. Before deciding on medication or other treatments, it is crucial to eliminate any other conditions that may cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you choose to utilize the NHS, your first step is to go to your GP to discuss the reasons you believe you have ADHD symptoms. Your GP must take this seriously and refer you for an assessment. However, waiting times for NHS assessments can be very long. If you're unable to wait, you can take the private route instead, which is more expensive but provides shorter waiting times.
In your appointment, you will be asked to complete some questionnaires, and the QbTest (a computer-generated test that measures core ADHD symptoms of activity, attention and impulsivity) will be administered. It is important to 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 the next steps are and whether you would like to consider pursuing the possibility of medication.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is a possibility that can be much quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it can be more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment could range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, a complete diagnostic report and medication costs.
In the UK, children and adults are able to access ADHD assessments on the NHS through the referral of a GP. The BBC's investigation shows that there are lengthy waiting times to see a specialist. For example, one woman in Sheffield has been waiting for over two years. Her symptoms include suicidal impulses that could be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments stipulate that patients should be examined by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the assessment the psychiatrist will examine and interview the person by using questionnaires and observations of behavior. The psychiatrist will determine the severity of ADHD and the impact it has on daily living.
People suffering from ADHD tend to manage their symptoms with strategies like diaries calendars, and post-it notes. These strategies aren't always efficient. They can cause more stress and confusion especially for those who are already struggling with mental health issues. The evaluation will also include physical examination as well as an examination of medical history.
The NHS offers a program called Right to Choose, which lets you choose where 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 ask to be recommended to a private company which is affiliated with the NHS that can provide an ADHD assessment, so long that they're licensed by NHS and don't charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD assessment is usually conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse and follows the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). For adults, this involves consideration of comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety.
During the appointment, you'll talk about your current symptoms and your family background with the physician. adhd assessment 'll also ask you to fill out questionnaires or rating scales. The expert will observe your behavior and how it impacts others such as your spouse or your children.
The psychiatrist will review all of the information to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria and subtypes. Your specialist will then explain their findings and discuss the best treatment options.
If the psychiatrist recommends medication then a prescription will be given to you to take to a pharmacist of your preference. The cost of prescriptions is for administrative purposes only and do not cover the cost of medicines. You'll have to pay for the medication. Additional appointments may be needed if you need to titrate your medication.
It is important to discuss your diagnosis with your GP as well as anyone else who may need to be aware of it, like your school or employer. Our specialists can also write recommendation letters for accommodations to your education for students, such as additional time in exams or reduced deadlines.
Some people may find it difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis, especially in cases where their GP does not believe that they have the symptoms. If this is the case are one of them, you might want to check out our guide on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and guidance on how to have your GP refer you for an assessment.
4. Medication
In the UK there are a variety of medications that are approved to treat ADHD. These include the well-known amphetamine based medication Lisdexamfetamine, as well as the well known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. 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 by regular meetings with psychiatrists to discuss the effects of medication and track progress.
The medication can help reduce symptoms of ADHD and ease the burden they impose on families, people and employers. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters which enable brain cells to communicate with one other. However, the correct medication is a matter of individual preference and determining it could take time. Once someone is on the correct medication, it is crucial to adhere to the treatment regimen. If you continue to miss appointments or stop taking your medication, the symptoms may come back and the medication might not be as effective.
An expert psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment session however, they can refer you 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 regular checks to ensure that the medication is working. The NHS generally does not pay for prescriptions, which means you'll have to pay a premium at your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendation letters to schools or employers when required. It could also include advice and guidance regarding medication or medical concerns between appointments by email or brief phone calls (limited to 20 minutes). However, the costs associated with monitoring and titration are not included in an initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for years to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessment. In the end, some 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 process of assessing you can be long but it's essential to have a clear diagnosis. The psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will talk to you about your medical history and your lifestyle, and also the symptoms that you are experiencing and how they affect your daily life. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems to help the psychiatrist evaluate how you're feeling.
After the clinical interview, your specialist will put together an assessment report that will provide you with the diagnosis and suggestions for ongoing treatment and support for ADHD. They will also talk to you about whether or how ADHD might be a contributing factor to any health problems or concerns that you face.
There are several different types of ADHD and each manifests differently in every individual. This is why it's crucial to identify the specific symptoms you are experiencing so that your physician can identify the right kind of ADHD. This is the reason a thorough ADHD assessment is crucial and will provide you with the most effective chance of finding the best treatment for your issues.
Private healthcare providers can provide an alternative to an ADHD assessment for those who are in a position to speed up the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health services permit individuals to get access to specialists who specialize in adult ADHD more quickly. This process usually starts with a meeting with psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessment.