The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you go through the NHS method, your evaluation and treatment will be covered by the national health system. However, the NHS typically has long waiting times.
You can also get your ADHD assessment funded privately through the 'Right to Choose' pathway in England. However the services you choose must be suitable for your clinical needs and not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment, you will work with a senior psychiatrist to fully comprehend your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will be asked about your family history and any mental issues you have had in the past. The psychiatrist will gather data from several sources such as symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales and will also talk to you and your family members or close friends about how ADHD symptoms can affect you in various settings.
Depending on your healthcare professional's judgement, it could be important to determine if your symptoms can be more easily explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that are similar to or coexist with ADHD. For example anxiety disorders often present similarly to symptoms of ADHD and can affect the work environment and relationships. Before considering any medication or other treatments, it is important to rule out any other disorders that could trigger symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you choose to utilize the NHS the first step is to visit your GP to explain the reason you think you may have ADHD symptoms. Your GP should treat this as a serious matter and send you for an assessment. However, waiting times for NHS assessments can be very long. If you are unable to wait, you can take the private route instead, which can be more expensive but offers shorter wait times.
In your appointment, you'll be asked a few questions and administered the QbTest, a computerised test that tests the primary ADHD symptoms of impulsivity and activity as well as attention. You should familiarise yourselves with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to describe how you experience these traits in your daily life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers and determine the next steps to take including if you'd like to explore medication options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are an efficient alternative to waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it is also more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, a comprehensive diagnostic report and medications.
In the UK Adults and children can obtain ADHD assessments through the NHS through an appointment from their doctor. The BBC's investigation reveals that there are long waiting times to visit a specialist. One woman from Sheffield, for example has waited for two years for a specialist. Her symptoms include suicidal tendencies that could be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments say that patients should be examined by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the examination, a psychiatrist will examine and interview the person through questionnaires and observation of behavior. The psychiatrist will determine the severity of ADHD and its impact on daily life.
People with ADHD often attempt to manage their symptoms through strategies such as diaries, calendars and post-it notes. These strategies are not always efficient. These methods can cause anxiety and confusion, especially for those who suffer from mental health issues. The assessment will include physical examination and a review of the medical history.
The NHS has a scheme called Right to Choose, which allows you to choose the location to which you're referred for an assessment. Anyone who has a GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this program. You can request to be directed to a private clinic partnered with the NHS that can provide an ADHD assessment, as long that they're licensed by NHS and don't charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse typically conducts an ADHD assessment, based on the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). For adults, this involves the assessment of comorbid disorders like anxiety or depression.
During your appointment, you'll discuss with your doctor your current symptoms and any family history. They'll also ask you to fill out questionnaires or rating scales. In this process, the expert will evaluate how your behavior impacts other people in your life, like your partner or children.
The doctor will take all information into consideration to determine if you meet the criteria for ADHD and its subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and suggest the best course of treatment.
If the psychiatrist recommends medication, a prescription will be given to you to take to a pharmacy of your choice. Prescription fees cover the administrative process and do not include the cost of the drugs themselves, which you will need to pay separately. If you need an titration of your medication, further appointments could be required until you're stable with the medication.
Once you've received your diagnosis It's crucial to share the results with your GP and anyone else who should know, such as your employer or school. Our experts can provide letters of recommendation for accommodations in your education such as extra time during exams or shorter deadlines.
how to get a adhd assessment uk may be unable to obtain an ADHD diagnosis, especially in cases where their GP does not believe that they are suffering from the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we suggest taking a look at our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and suggestions on how you can get your GP to send you.
4. Medication
There are a number of medicines that are approved to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. They are usually stimulants, and include the well-known methylphenidate medication (Ritalin) and the more recent amphetamine based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). It is typical to suggest that patients start with a small dose of medication, which is gradually increased over a period of appointments until the patient is at a stable dosage. This is usually followed by regular meetings with psychiatrists, to discuss side effects, and monitor the progress.
Medications can help to alleviate the symptoms caused by ADHD and reduce the burden that they place on families, individuals and workplaces. They function by increasing neurotransmitters, which allow brain cells to communicate. Finding the right medication is an individual matter and takes some time. Once a person has been prescribed the correct medication, it is essential to adhere to the treatment program. If they continue to skip appointments or stop taking their medication can result in symptoms recurring and the medication not working as well.
A psychiatrist expert does not prescribe medication during the assessment session. However, they can refer you to an expert who will discuss your options for medication with you and prescribe if necessary. This may require additional titration sessions to determine the right dose and regular reviews to ensure that the medication is effective. The NHS does not usually cover prescriptions, so you will have to pay extra at your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendations to employers or schools, when required. It can also include advice and guidance on medication or medical concerns between appointments by emails or phone calls (limited to 20 minutes). However, the cost of titration and follow-up are not covered in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has long struggled to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessments. According to BBC research waiting times in many areas can be as long as 8 years.
The assessment process is lengthy but is necessary for a thorough diagnostic. The psychiatrist conducting your assessment will be in contact with you about your lifestyle and medical history and also your symptoms and their impact on your life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the doctor evaluate how you're feeling.
Following the clinical interview, you will receive the report of your specialist that will include an assessment of ADHD and treatment recommendations and ongoing support. They will also talk to you about whether or how ADHD might be a factor in any health concerns or issues that you have.
There are different types of ADHD and they appear differently in each individual. It is crucial to inform 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 crucial and will give you the most effective chance of finding the appropriate treatment for your symptoms.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative to the NHS for those who wish to avoid waiting in line and wish to accelerate their ADHD evaluation. Individuals can make a self-referral directly to an individual mental health professional and get quicker access to specialists who have experience in adult ADHD. The process usually begins with a consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist with experience in adult ADHD assessments.