The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you opt for the NHS option, your examination and treatment will be covered by the national health care system. The NHS is well-known for its long wait times.
You can also get your ADHD assessment funded privately through the 'Right to Choose route in England. However the services you choose must be suitable for your clinical needs and must not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will work with an experienced psychiatrist to analyze your thoughts, presentations, and experiences. You will be asked about your family history and any mental issues you've had in the past. The psychiatrist will collect information using a variety of sources including symptoms checklists, behavior rating scales and talking to you, your family members or close friends about how ADHD symptoms impact you in various situations.
Depending on your healthcare professional's judgement, it could be important to determine if your symptoms could be better explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that mimic or coexist with ADHD. For instance anxiety disorders may present similarly to symptoms of ADHD and may have the same impact on relationships and work. 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 decide to go the NHS option, the first step is to visit your GP and discuss the reasons you believe you have symptoms of ADHD. Your GP must consider this an issue that is serious and recommend you to an assessment. However waiting times for NHS assessments can be very long. If you are unable to wait, you may choose the private route, which is more expensive, but has shorter waiting times.
In your appointment, you'll be asked to fill in several questionnaires, and then the QbTest (a computerised test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of activity, attention and impulsivity) will be administered. You should be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to describe how you experience these traits in your daily life. The psychiatrist will then assess your answers and discuss the next steps to take including if you'd like to look into treatment options.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is a possibility that can be much quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment. It can also be more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients could range from PS240 to 2500. This includes the assessment, as well as a comprehensive diagnosis report and medication costs.
In the UK children and adults can get ADHD assessments on the NHS through the referral of a GP. The BBC's investigation reveals that there are long waiting times to consult a specialist. One woman from Sheffield for instance, has been waiting two years. Her symptoms include suicidal impulses, which can be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments stipulate that a patient must be seen by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). In the course of the assessment, psychiatrists will interview and examine the person using questionnaires, and observe their behaviour. The psychiatrist will then assess the severity of ADHD symptoms and their effects on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD typically employ strategies such as diaries, calendars, and post-it note to manage their symptoms. These methods are not always efficient. They can lead to anxiety and confusion, especially for those who suffer from mental health issues. The assessment will include an examination of the body and a review medical history.
Right to Choose is a scheme of the NHS that lets you select where you are assessed. Anyone who has a GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this program. You can request to be referred to a private service partnered with the NHS that offers an ADHD assessment, as long that they're licensed by 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 involves consideration of comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and family history with the doctor. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. In this process, the expert will observe your behavior and how it affects other people such as your spouse or your children.
The psychiatrist will take all information into consideration to help determine whether you meet the requirements for ADHD as well as its subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and recommend the best course of treatment.
If the psychiatrist recommends medication then a prescription will be provided for you to visit a pharmacy of your preference. The cost of prescriptions covers the administrative process but do not include the cost of the medications that you have to pay for separately. If you require a medication titration, additional appointments may be required until you're stable with the medication.
Once you've received your diagnosis, it's important to share the results with your GP and anyone else you need to be aware, like your school or employer. Our specialists can also write recommendation letters for accommodations to your education, such as extra time in exams or shortened deadlines.
Certain people may have difficulty obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, especially in cases where their GP isn't convinced that they have the symptoms. If this is the case 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 recommend you.
4. Medication
There are a variety 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 newest amphetamine based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). At first, it's advised that patients begin with a small dose of medication which is then titrated up over several appointments until a patient has stabilized on their dosage. Recommended Resource site is often followed by regular meetings with a psychiatrist to discuss the effects of medication and track the progress.
The medication can help reduce symptoms of ADHD and ease the burden they impose on families, people and employers. They do this by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters which allow brain cells to communicate with one with each other. Finding the right medication is an individual matter and takes some time. When someone is prescribed the right medication, it's crucial to stick to their treatment regimen. If they continue to skip appointments or stopping taking their medication could result in symptoms recurring and the medication not working as well.
A psychiatrist expert does not prescribe medication during the assessment session. However, they will refer you to a specialist who will discuss your options for medication with you and, if needed, prescribe. This may require further appointment for titration to determine the correct dosage and regular reviews to check the effectiveness of your medication. Typically the NHS does not cover your prescription and so this would incur an additional cost for your pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. If necessary, this includes sending letters of recommendation to schools or employers. It can include guidance and advice about medication or any medical concerns between appointments by email or brief phone calls (limited to 20 minutes). However, the costs of monitoring and titration are not included in an initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has struggled for years to meet demand for adult ADHD assessment. As a result, many areas are experiencing waiting times that can be as long as eight years, according to BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.
The assessment process can be long, but it's vital to have a clear diagnosis. The doctor who conducts your examination will talk to you about your medical history and lifestyle as well as your symptoms and their impact on your life. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires or fill out rating scales to help the doctor determine the severity of your illness.
After the clinical interview you will receive a report from your specialist which will include an assessment of ADHD and treatment recommendations and ongoing support. They will also talk with you whether ADHD is a factor in any health issues or concerns you may have.
There are a variety of types of ADHD and each manifests differently in every individual. This is why it's crucial to understand the specific symptoms you're experiencing so that your specialist will be able to determine the appropriate kind of ADHD. This is why a thorough ADHD assessment is so important and will give you the most effective chance of finding the best treatment for your issues.
Private healthcare providers are an alternative to the NHS for those who want to avoid the wait and to accelerate their ADHD assessment. Self-referrals to private mental health services permit individuals to get access to specialists with expertise in adult ADHD quicker. This process often starts with a first consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist with experience in adult ADHD assessments.