The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health system will take care of your medication and assessments if you choose to go the NHS route. The NHS is well-known for its long wait times.
In England there is also the option to get your ADHD assessment privately funded through the "Right to Choose" route. However the services you choose must be clinically appropriate and must not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will be working with a psychiatrist who is senior to fully comprehend your thoughts presentation, experiences and experience. You will be asked questions regarding your family history as well as any mental health issues you may have had in the past. The psychiatrist will gather information using a variety of sources including symptoms checklists, behavior rating scales, and talk to you, your family or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different situations.
Depending on the medical professional's opinion, it may be necessary to evaluate whether or not your symptoms may be explained better by other medical or psychiatric conditions that are similar or coexist with ADHD. Anxiety disorders, for example are often associated with symptoms that are similar to ADHD and have an impact similar to ADHD on relationships and work. Before considering any medication or other treatments, it is crucial to rule out any other disorders that could trigger symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you choose to go the NHS option, the first step will be to visit your GP and provide the reason why you believe you are suffering from ADHD. Your GP must take this seriously and refer you to an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be very long. If you're unable to wait, you may take the private route which is more expensive, but has shorter wait 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 essential to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, so that you can write down examples of how you experience them in your daily life. The psychiatrist will then evaluate your answers and discuss the next steps to take, including if you would like to explore the possibility of medication.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is an option that can be much quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment. It's 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 and the cost of medication.
In the UK, children and adults are able to access ADHD assessments through the NHS through a GP referral. The BBC's investigation reveals that there are lengthy waiting times to see a specialist. For instance, one woman in Sheffield has been waiting for over two years. The symptoms she has are suicidal thoughts which could be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments stipulate that a patient must be examined by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the assessment psychiatrists will interview and examine the individual using questionnaires, and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD tend to manage their symptoms through strategies like diaries calendars and post-it notepads. However, these methods aren't always efficient. They could cause more stress and confusion especially for those already struggling with mental health conditions. The examination will also consist of physical examination as well as a review of medical history.
Right to Choose is a scheme offered by the NHS that allows you to choose where you're referred for assessment. This is open to anyone who has a registered GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can request an individual service that is partnered with NHS provide an ADHD assessment. If the service is accredited by NHS and isn't charging more than NHS, you can request to be advised.
3. Diagnosis
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse typically conducts an ADHD assessment, using the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). For adults, this includes examination of any comorbid conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and family history with the consultant. They'll also ask you to fill out questionnaires or rating scales. During this process, an expert will note the way your behavior affects others in your life, including your spouse or children.
The psychiatrist will review all the evidence to determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and subtypes. Your specialist will explain their findings and will discuss with you the best course of action.
If the psychiatrist suggests medication then a prescription will be provided for you to take to a pharmacist of your choice. The cost of prescriptions covers the administrative procedure but do not cover the cost of the medications themselves, which you will have to pay separately. If you need a medication titration, additional appointments might be required until you're stable on the medication.
It is important to discuss your diagnosis with your GP and anyone else who might need to know about it, such your employer or school. Our experts can also provide recommendations for educational accommodations, such as extra time for exams or shorter deadlines.
Certain people may have difficulty obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, particularly if their GP isn't convinced that they are suffering from the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we recommend going through our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and guidance on how to get your GP to refer you.
4. Medication
There are a number of medications that are licensed for use in the UK to treat ADHD. These include the well-known amphetamine-based medicine lisdexamfetamine, and the well known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. It is typical to suggest that patients start with a small amount of medication, and then gradually increased over a series of appointments until the patient reaches an appropriate dosage. This is usually followed by regular meetings with psychiatrists to discuss side effects and track progress.
The medications can reduce symptoms of ADHD and reduce the burden they impose on people, families and employers. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate with one other. Finding the right medication is a personal choice and may take some time. Once a person is on the right medication, it is essential that they remain with their treatment program. If you continue to miss appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms may return and the medication may not be effective.
A specialist psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment session however, they can refer you to an expert nurse who will discuss your options for medication and prescribe, if needed. 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 does not usually cover prescriptions, so you'll need to pay extra at your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendations to employers or schools, in the event that they are needed. Email or brief phone conversations (limited to 20 min) can be used to offer advice and guidance on medication or medical questions in between appointments. However, the cost of titration and follow-up are not included in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has long struggled to meet demand for adult ADHD assessments. In the end, some areas face wait times of up to eight years, according to 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 your assessment will spend time talking to you about your lifestyle and medical history, as well as your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. You might also be asked fill out questionnaires or rating scales that will help the specialist evaluate your condition.
After the interview, you will receive the report of your specialist that will include the diagnosis of ADHD and recommendations for treatment and ongoing support. They will also inform you if ADHD is a factor in any health issues or concerns you may have.
There are many types of ADHD and they are all displayed differently in every individual. This is why it's important to know the specific symptoms you are experiencing so that your specialist can identify the right type of ADHD. A comprehensive ADHD assessment can help you determine the best treatment.
Private healthcare providers can provide an alternative to an ADHD assessment for those who are able to accelerate the process and avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. adhd uk assessment -referrals to private mental health providers will allow people to connect with specialists with expertise in adult ADHD more quickly. The process usually starts with a first consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist experienced in adult ADHD assessments.