The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you choose to go the NHS option, your examination and medication will be covered by the national health system. However, book adhd assessment has lengthy waiting times.
You can also get your ADHD assessment funded privately through the 'Right to choose option 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 a senior psychiatrist to fully understand your thoughts presentation, experiences and experience. You will also be asked questions about your family history and any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will then collect information from a number of sources, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales as well as speaking with you and your relatives or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different settings.
Based on the healthcare professional's judgement, it may be necessary to determine whether or not your symptoms could be better explained by other psychiatric or medical conditions that mimic or coexist with ADHD. Anxiety disorders, for instance are often associated with symptoms similar to ADHD and can have a similar effect on relationships and work. Before considering any medication or other treatments, it is important to determine if there are any other disorders that may cause symptoms of ADHD.
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 should treat this as a serious matter and recommend you to an assessment. However, waiting times for NHS assessments can be lengthy. If you cannot wait, you can choose the private route, which is more expensive, but has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment you will be asked a few questions and then administered the QbTest, a computerised test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of impulsivity and activity as well as attention. It is important to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, so that you can write down instances of how you have experienced them in your life. The psychiatrist will assess your answers, and then discuss the next steps. This could include looking into different options for treatment.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is an option that is much faster 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 full diagnostic report and medications.
In the UK, adults or children can receive 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 in Sheffield, for example has waited for two years to see a specialist. The symptoms she has are suicidal thoughts, which can be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments state that patients should be seen by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). In the course of the assessment, a psychiatrist will interview and examine the individual using questionnaires, and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will then evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.
People with ADHD tend to manage their symptoms using strategies like diaries calendars, and post-it notes. However, these strategies aren't always efficient. They can cause more stress and confusion particularly for those already struggling with mental health conditions. The examination will also consist of physical examination as well as an examination of medical history.
Right to Choose is a scheme offered by the NHS that allows you to select where you are referred for assessment. This is open to anyone who is registered with a GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can ask to have a private clinic that's partnered with NHS provide an ADHD assessment. If the service is licensed by NHS and does not charge more than NHS, you can request to be advised.
3. Diagnosis
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist will typically conduct an ADHD assessment, using the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). Adults may also be assessed for comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll talk about your current symptoms and your family history with the consultant. They'll also ask you to fill out questionnaires or rating scales. During this process, the expert will assess how your behaviour impacts others in your life, such as your spouse or children.
The psychiatrist will consider all of the information to determine if you are in line with the ADHD criteria and subtypes. Your specialist will then explain their findings and discuss the best method of treatment.
If the doctor recommends a medication the prescription will be provided for you to take to a pharmacist of your preference. The prescription fees cover the administration procedure but do not cover 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.
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 employer or school. Our specialists can also write recommendations for educational accommodations like extra time for exams or shorter deadlines.
Some people may find it difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis, especially when their GP does not believe that they exhibit the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we recommend taking a look at our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and suggestions on how to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist.
4. Medication
There are a variety of medications that are licensed to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. These are typically stimulants, including the well-known medication methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the more recent amphetamine-based medicine, Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). In the beginning, it is advised that patients begin with a small dose of medication, which is titrated up over several appointments until a patient has stabilized on their dosage. This is often accompanied with regular sessions with psychiatrists to discuss any side effects and track progress.
The medications can lessen symptoms of ADHD and ease the burden they impose on families, people and employers. They help by increasing neurotransmitters, which enable brain cells to communicate. Finding the right drug is very individual and may take some time. When someone is prescribed the correct medication, it's essential to adhere to their treatment program. Continuing to miss appointments or discontinuing their medication could lead to symptoms returning and the medication not working as effectively.
A psychiatrist expert will not prescribe medication in the assessment session. However, they can refer you to an expert who will discuss your options for medication with you and prescribe, if needed. This may require further titration sessions to determine the right dosage, and regular checks to ensure that the medication is effective. The NHS typically does not pay for prescriptions, which means you'll need to pay extra at the pharmacy.
Private clinics can also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending letters of recommendation to employers or schools in the event that they are needed. Short phone calls or emails (limited to 20 minutes) can be used to give guidance and advice on medical or medication concerns 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 assessment. According to BBC research waiting times in a variety of areas can be as long as 8 years.
The assessment process can be lengthy, but essential to get a thorough diagnosis. The psychiatrist who conducts your assessment will speak to you about your medical history and your lifestyle, as well as the symptoms you're experiencing and how they affect your daily life. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires or rate scales to help the consultant evaluate your condition.
Following the clinical interview after the clinical interview, you will receive an evaluation from your doctor that will include the diagnosis of ADHD and suggestions for treatment and ongoing support. They will also talk with you whether ADHD is a contributing factor to any health problems or issues you might have.
There are different kinds of ADHD and they appear differently in each individual. It is crucial to inform your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing, to determine the kind of ADHD. This is the reason a thorough ADHD assessment is crucial and will provide you with the best chance of locating the right treatment for your specific symptoms.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative to an ADHD assessment for individuals who are in a position to speed up the process and avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health services will allow people to connect with experts who are knowledgeable about adult ADHD more quickly. The process usually starts with a first consultation with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist experienced in adult ADHD assessments.