The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you go through the NHS route, your assessment and treatment will be covered by the national health care system. The NHS is notorious for its lengthy waiting times.
In England You can also obtain your ADHD evaluation funded privately through the 'Right to Choose" option. The services you select must be relevant to your clinical needs and should not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the examination, you will work with a psychiatrist of senior level to fully comprehend your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will be asked questions regarding your family history as well as any mental health issues you might have encountered in the past. The psychiatrist will then collect data from several sources including symptom checklists, as well as scales of behavior rating as well as speaking to you and your family members or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different settings.
Depending on the healthcare expert's judgment, it could be necessary to assess whether or not your symptoms could be explained better by other medical or psychiatric disorders that coexist with ADHD. For instance anxiety disorders may present similarly to symptoms of ADHD and may affect the work environment and relationships. Therefore, it is important to rule out other disorders that may cause symptoms of ADHD before moving on to look into the use of medications or other treatments for the disorder.
The NHS Route
If you choose to utilize the NHS, your first step is to go to your GP to discuss the reasons you think you may have ADHD symptoms. Your GP must take this seriously and refer you to an assessment. The NHS assessment wait times can be lengthy. If you're unable to wait, you may take the private route, which can be more expensive but offers shorter waiting times.
During your appointment, you will be asked questions and administered the QbTest, a computerised test that tests the primary ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity, and attention. You should familiarise yourselves with the signs of ADHD so that you can articulate how you experience these traits in your daily life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers and discuss the next steps. This may include exploring medication options.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is a possibility that is quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it's more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, a complete diagnostic report and medications.
In the UK, adults or children can obtain ADHD assessments through the NHS through the help of their GP. However, the BBC's investigation has revealed long wait times to consult specialists. One woman in Sheffield for instance, has been waiting two years for a specialist. Her symptoms include suicidal tendencies that could be an indication of undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, patients with ADHD should be evaluated by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the examination, a psychiatrist will examine and interview the patient, by using questionnaires and observations of behavior. The psychiatrist will then evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their effects on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD often try to manage their symptoms through strategies like diaries, calendars, and post-it notes. However, these strategies aren't always efficient. These methods can create anxiety and confusion, especially in those with mental health issues. The evaluation will also include physical examination as well as an examination of medical background.
The NHS has a scheme called Right to Choose, which allows you to choose where you're referred for an assessment. Anyone registered with an GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this program. You can ask to have an individual service that is partnered with NHS offer an ADHD assessment. As more resources as the service is approved by NHS and does not charge more than NHS and you request to be advised.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD evaluation is usually carried out by psychiatrists or specialist nurses and is based on the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). For adults, this may include consideration of comorbid conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
During the appointment, you'll talk about your current symptoms and family history with the consultant. You'll be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems. During this process, an expert will note how your behaviour impacts others in your life, including your spouse or children.
The psychiatrist will review all of the information to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria, including subtypes. The specialist will discuss their findings and discuss with you the best course of action.
If your doctor suggests a medication you will be given a prescription to take to any pharmacy of your choosing. Prescription fees are for administrative purposes only and do not cover the cost of medications. You'll need to pay for the medication. Additional appointments might be required when you have to adjust your medication.
It is important to discuss your diagnosis with your GP, as well as anyone else who might need to be aware of it, like your school or employer. Our specialists can also provide recommendation letters for educational accommodations like extra time for exams or shorter deadlines.
For some, getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a lengthy process especially when their GP doesn't take them seriously or doesn't believe they have the symptoms. If this is the case for you, we suggest reading our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and advice on how you can get your GP to send you.
4. Medication
In the UK there are a variety of medications that are approved for treating ADHD. These stimulants include the well-known amphetamine based medication lisdexamfetamine, and the well-known methylphenidate drug Ritalin. At first, it's advised that patients begin with a low dose of medication that is gradually increased over a period of time until a patient has stabilized on their dosage. This is often accompanied with regular sessions with psychiatrists, to discuss side effects, and monitor progress.
The medications can lessen symptoms of ADHD and ease the burden they put on families, people and employers. They help by increasing neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate. But, how to get assessed for adhd can be very individual and determining it may take time. Once someone is on the correct medication, it is crucial that they remain with their treatment plan. If you continue to miss appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms could be recurrent and the medication may not work as effectively.
An expert psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment however, they can refer you on to a specialist nurse who will discuss your options for medication and prescribe, if needed. This will require further titration sessions to determine the appropriate dosage and periodic reviews to ensure that your medication is working. Typically, the NHS will not pay for your prescription and so it will incur an additional cost from your pharmacy.
Private clinics can also charge for follow-up consultations. If needed, this could include sending recommendation letters to employers or schools. It can include advice and direction about medication or any medical questions between appointments via telephone calls or email (limited to 20 minutes). The initial ADHD assessment does not include the costs for the titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has long struggled to meet demand for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. 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 can be long, but it's vital for a thorough diagnosis. The doctor who conducts your assessment will speak to you about your medical history and your lifestyle, as well as the symptoms that you are experiencing and the impact they have on your daily life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the doctor determine how you feel.
Following the clinical interview, you will receive a report from your specialist that will include an assessment of ADHD and treatment recommendations and ongoing support. They will also discuss with you if ADHD is a contributing factor to any health issues or concerns you might have.
There are many kinds of ADHD and they appear differently in every individual. This is why it's crucial to identify the specific symptoms you're experiencing so that your specialist will be able to determine the appropriate type of ADHD. This is why a comprehensive ADHD assessment is so important and will provide you with the most effective chance of finding the appropriate treatment for your specific symptoms.
Private healthcare providers can provide an alternative route to an ADHD assessment for those who are able to accelerate the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Patients can self-refer to an independent mental health practitioner, and this can provide faster access to specialists who have experience in adult ADHD. This procedure usually starts with a first consultation with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessments.