The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health system will cover your medication and assessment if you choose to go the NHS route. The NHS is known for its lengthy waiting times.
You can also get your ADHD assessment privately funded through the 'Right to Choose option in England. However, the services you can select must be appropriate for your needs and not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the examination, you will collaborate with a psychiatrist who is experienced to analyze your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will be asked questions about your family background and any mental issues you have faced in the past. The psychiatrist will then collect information from various sources such as symptom checklists and 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 can be better explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that coexist with ADHD. For instance, anxiety disorders can often present similarly to symptoms of ADHD and can have a similar impact on relationships and work. It is therefore crucial to rule out any other disorder that could trigger symptoms of ADHD before moving on to consider medications or other treatments for the disorder.
The NHS Route
If you decide to utilize the NHS the first step is to visit your GP to explain why you believe you have ADHD symptoms. Your GP should be aware of this and refer you to an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be very long. If you're not able to wait, you can opt for the private route which is more expensive but provides shorter wait times.
In your appointment, you'll be asked questions and will be administered the QbTest, a computerised test which measures the core ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity and attention. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, so that you are able to write down instances of how you have experienced them in your daily life. The psychiatrist will review your answers and discuss the next steps. This may include exploring medication options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments can be 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, as well as a complete 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. However, a BBC investigation shows that there are long wait times to consult an expert. For instance, one woman in Sheffield has been waiting for two years. The symptoms she has are suicidal thoughts that could be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments state that a patient should be seen by a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or "other qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the assessment the psychiatrist will examine and interview the person through questionnaires and observation of their behavior. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their effects on daily life.
People with ADHD often try to manage their symptoms through strategies like diaries calendars, and post-it notes. These methods are not always effective. They can lead to anxiety and confusion, particularly in those with mental health issues. how to get assessed for adhd will include a physical exam and a review of medical history.
Right to Choose is a program of the NHS which allows you to choose where you're being referred for an assessment. Anyone who has a GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this program. You can ask to be directed to a private clinic that is partnered 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
An ADHD assessment is typically conducted by psychiatrists or specialist nurses and follows the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). For adults, this includes examination of any comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety.
During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and family history with the consultant. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. In this process, the expert will note your behaviour and how it impacts others like your spouse or your children.
The doctor will take all the information into account to determine if you meet the criteria for ADHD, including its subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and discuss the best course of treatment.
If the psychiatrist suggests a medication you will be issued an order to take it to any pharmacy of your choice. Prescription fees cover the administrative process and do not include the cost of the medications themselves, which you'll have to pay for separately. Additional appointments might be required if you need to titrate your medication.
It is essential to share your diagnosis with your GP, as well as anyone else who needs to be aware of it, like your employer or school. Our specialists can write letters of recommendation to request educational accommodations like extra time during exams or reduced deadlines.
Some people may find it difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis, particularly if their GP doesn't believe they have the symptoms. If you're one of them are one of them, you might want to read our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and suggestions on how to make your GP refer to you.
4. Medication
In the UK, a number medications are approved for treating ADHD. These stimulants include the well-known amphetamine based medication Lisdexamfetamine, as well as the well-known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. It is generally recommended that patients begin with a small amount of medication, which is then gradually increased over a number of appointments until the patient has reached a stable dosage. This is often accompanied by regular appointments with a psychiatrist to discuss the effects of medication and track the progress.
The medications can lessen the symptoms of ADHD and reduce the burden they impose on people, families and employers. They help by increasing neurotransmitters that enable brain cells to communicate. Finding the right drug is a personal choice and may take some time. Once someone is on the correct medication, it's vital that they remain with the treatment regimen. Inability to attend appointments or discontinuing their medication could lead to symptoms returning and the medication not working as efficiently.
A psychiatrist expert is not able to prescribe medication during the assessment session. However, they may refer you to an expert who will discuss your medication options with you and, if needed, prescribe. This may require further periodic titration sessions to ensure you are receiving the right dosage, and regular checks to ensure the effectiveness of your medication. The NHS does not usually pay for prescriptions, which means you will have to pay an additional fee at your pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. If necessary, this includes sending recommendation letters to employers or schools. Short phone calls or emails (limited to 20 min) can be used to provide advice and guidance on medication or medical questions in between appointments. The initial ADHD assessment does not include the cost for the titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has struggled for years to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessments. In the end, some areas are experiencing wait times of up to 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 get a complete diagnosis. The doctor who conducts your assessment will talk to you about your medical history and lifestyle, as well as the symptoms that you are experiencing and their impact on your daily routine. You might also be asked fill out questionnaires or rate scales that will help the specialist assess your condition.
After the interview after the clinical interview, you will receive a report from your specialist which will include the diagnosis of ADHD and recommendations for treatment and ongoing support. They will also talk to you about whether or how ADHD could be a factor in any health issues or concerns that you face.
There are a variety of types of ADHD and each manifests differently for each person. It is crucial to inform your specialist the symptoms you are experiencing, to determine the type of ADHD. A comprehensive ADHD assessment will help you find the right treatment.
Private healthcare providers can provide an alternative method of ADHD assessment for individuals who are in a position to accelerate the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Individuals can make a self-referral directly to an independent mental health practitioner and get faster access to specialists who have expertise in adult ADHD. The process typically begins with a consultation with psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessment.