The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you choose to go the NHS route, your assessment and medication will be covered by the national health service. The NHS is known for its lengthy waiting times.
In England there is also the option to obtain your ADHD evaluation privately funded via the 'Right to Choose" option. However, the services you can choose must be clinically appropriate and must not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the examination, you will work with an experienced psychiatrist to analyze your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will also be asked questions about your family history and any mental health issues you might have encountered in the past. The psychiatrist will then gather information from various sources including symptom checklists, as well as scales for assessing behavior 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 professional's judgement, it may be necessary to assess whether or not your symptoms could be better explained by other psychiatric or medical conditions that mimic or coexist with ADHD. For instance anxiety disorders often be similar to symptoms of ADHD and can 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 medications or other treatments for the disorder.
The NHS Route
If you choose to go the NHS route, the first step should be to see your GP and explain why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP must consider this an issue that is serious and refer you to an assessment. However, waiting times for NHS assessments can be very long. If you're unable to wait, you can take the private route, which can be more expensive but provides shorter wait times.
At the time of your appointment, you'll be asked to fill in several questionnaires. Then, the QbTest (a computer-based test that measures core ADHD symptoms of attention, activity, and impulsivity) will be administered. It is important to familiarise yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment so that you can write down instances of how you have experienced these symptoms in your life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers and discuss the next steps should be, including if you would like to explore the possibility of medication.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are a much faster option than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it is also more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can vary between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, as well as a full diagnosis report as well as medication costs.
In the UK, adults and children can access ADHD assessments through the NHS through a GP referral. The BBC's investigation shows that there are lengthy waiting times to consult a specialist. One woman in Sheffield, for example is waiting for two years. Suicidal tendencies are among her symptoms, which could indicate that she has undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, patients who suffers from ADHD should be assessed by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the examination, psychiatrists will interview and examine the patient using questionnaires, and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD and the impact it has on daily living.
People suffering from ADHD typically employ strategies such as diaries, calendars and post-it notes to manage their symptoms. These strategies are not always effective. They could cause more stress and confusion particularly for those already suffering from mental health conditions. The assessment will include a physical exam 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 registered with an GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this scheme. You can request to be referred to a private service that is partnered with the NHS that offers an ADHD assessment, as long that they're licensed by NHS and don't charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist typically conducts an ADHD assessment, based on the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). For adults, this involves the assessment of comorbid disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
During your appointment, you'll discuss with the 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 the way your behavior affects others in your life, such as your children or spouse.
The specialist will take all of the data into consideration to determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD, including its subtypes. Your specialist will then explain their findings and suggest the best course of treatment.
If the doctor recommends a medication then a prescription will be issued for you to take to a pharmacist of your preference. The prescription fees are for the administrative process only and don't cover the cost of medication. You'll need to pay separately for the medication. If you require an titration of your medication, further appointments might be needed until you're comfortable with the medication.
It's important that you 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 also provide recommendations for educational accommodations, such as extra time for exams or shorter deadlines.
For some people, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis can be a long process, especially when their GP does not take the diagnosis seriously or doesn't believe they have the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we recommend taking a look at our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and guidance on how to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist.
4. Medication
There are a variety of medicines that are approved to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. They are usually stimulants, including the well-known methylphenidate medication (Ritalin) and the newest amphetamine based medicine lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). It is generally recommended that patients start with a small dose of medication, and then gradually increased over a period of appointments until the patient has reached 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 many symptoms that are caused by ADHD and ease the burden they put on individuals, families and workplaces. They work by increasing neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate. However, the correct drug can be very individual and finding it can take time. Once a person has been prescribed the right medication, it's vital to adhere to the treatment plan. If you continue to fail to attend appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms may be recurrent and the medication may not be effective.
An expert psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment, but they will be able to refer you on to an expert nurse who will discuss medication options and prescribe, if needed. This may require further titration sessions to determine the right dose and regular reviews to ensure that the medication is working. The NHS does not usually pay for prescriptions, so you'll need to pay extra at your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending letters of recommendation to schools or employers in the event that they are required. It could also include advice and guidance on medication or medical concerns between appointments by telephone calls or email (limited to 20 minutes). The initial ADHD assessment does not include the costs for treatment or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has struggled for years to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. In the end, some areas face 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 is lengthy but is necessary to get a thorough diagnosis. The psychiatrist who conducts your assessment will talk to you about your medical history and lifestyle as well as the symptoms you're experiencing and their impact on your daily life. You might also be asked fill out questionnaires or rating scales that will help the specialist determine the severity of your illness.
After online adhd assessment uk after the clinical interview, you will receive the report of your specialist that will include the diagnosis of ADHD and recommendations for treatment and ongoing support. They will also inform you about whether or how ADHD might be a contributing factor to any health problems or concerns that you face.
There are various kinds of ADHD and they all present differently in every individual. This is why it's crucial to understand the specific symptoms you are experiencing so that your physician can identify the right kind of ADHD. A thorough ADHD assessment will assist you in finding the appropriate treatment.
Private healthcare providers offer an alternative to an ADHD assessment for individuals who are in a position to accelerate 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 quicker. The process typically starts with a consultation with psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessment.