The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you choose to go the NHS option, your examination and treatment will be covered by the national health system. The NHS is known for its long waiting times.
You can also obtain your ADHD assessment privately funded by the 'Right to choose route in England. However, the services you can choose must be clinically appropriate and not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will be paired with a seasoned psychiatrist to help you understand your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will also be asked questions about your family history and any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will collect information using a variety of sources like symptoms checklists, behaviour rating scales and speaking to you, your family members or close friends, about how ADHD symptoms impact you in different situations.
Depending on your healthcare professional's opinion, it could be important to determine if your symptoms could be more easily explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that are similar to or coexist alongside ADHD. Anxiety disorders, like may present with symptoms similar to ADHD and can have a similar effect on work and relationships. Before considering medication or other treatments, it is crucial to rule out any other disorders that may cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you choose to utilize the NHS, your first step is to visit your GP to explain the reason you think you may have ADHD symptoms. Your GP must consider this a serious matter and refer you to an assessment. The NHS assessment wait times can be lengthy. If you are unable to wait, you can choose the private route, which is more expensive, but has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment you will be asked questions and then administered the QbTest which is a computer-based test which measures the core ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity and attention. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, so that you are able to write down examples of how you experience them in your daily life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers and discuss what the next steps should be, including if you would like to explore medication options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments can be more efficient than waiting for a NHS appointment. It is also more costly. 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, children and adults can get ADHD assessments through the NHS through the referral of a GP. However, the BBC's investigation has revealed 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, which can be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments stipulate that a patient must be examined by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the examination, a psychiatrist will interview and examine the person using questionnaires, and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will assess the severity of ADHD and its impact on daily life.
People with ADHD often try to manage their symptoms using strategies such as diaries, calendars, and post-it notes. These strategies aren't always efficient. They could cause more stress and confusion, especially for those already suffering from mental health issues. The evaluation will include physical examination and a review of medical history.
Right to Choose is a scheme offered by the NHS which allows you to select where you are assessed. Anyone registered with an GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this scheme. You can request to be recommended to a private company which is affiliated with the NHS that can provide an ADHD assessment, so long as they're licensed by the NHS and do not charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist typically conducts 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 depression or anxiety.
During your appointment, you'll discuss with the doctor your current symptoms as well as any family history. You'll be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems. During this process, the expert will evaluate the way your behavior affects others in your life, including your partner or children.
The psychiatrist will take all information into consideration to determine if you meet the criteria for ADHD, including its subtypes. Your specialist will then explain their findings and suggest the best method of treatment.
If a psychiatrist recommends a medicine you will be issued a prescription to take to any pharmacy of your choosing. Prescription fees are for administrative purposes only and do not cover the cost of medications. You will have to pay separately for the medication. Additional appointments may be needed if you need to titrate your medication.
It is essential to share your diagnosis with your GP and anyone else who might need to be aware of it, like your employer or school. Our experts can also provide recommendation letters for accommodations to your education, such as extra time in exams or shortened deadlines.
Some people may have difficulty obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, particularly if their GP isn't convinced that they exhibit the symptoms. If this is you, you may want to check out our guide on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and guidance on how to have your GP refer you.
4. how much is an adhd assessment
There are a variety of medicines that are approved to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. These are often stimulants and include the well-known methylphenidate drug (Ritalin) and the newest amphetamine-based medicine lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). It is typical to suggest that patients start with a small amount of medication, and then gradually increased over a period of appointments until the patient has reached a stable dosage. This is often accompanied with regular meetings with psychiatrists to discuss any side effects, and monitor the progress.
Medications can help to alleviate the many symptoms caused by ADHD and lessen the burden that they place on families, individuals and workplaces. They do this by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters which allow brain cells to communicate with one and each other. Finding the right drug is very individual and takes some time. Once a person has been prescribed the right medication, it is crucial that they stick to their treatment plan. If you continue to miss appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms could be recurrent and the medication may not be as effective.
A psychiatrist expert is not able to prescribe medication during the assessment session. However, they will 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 correct dosage and regular reviews to monitor the effectiveness of your medication. The NHS generally does not pay for prescriptions, which means you'll need to pay extra at the pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendations to schools or employers in the event that they are needed. Short phone calls or emails (limited to 20 min) can be used to offer guidance and advice on medication or medical questions in between appointments. However, the costs associated with monitoring and titration are not included in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has long struggled to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. As a result, many areas have wait times of up to eight years, as per BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.
The process of assessment is long but is necessary for a thorough diagnostic. The psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will speak to you about your medical history and your lifestyle, as well as the symptoms that you are experiencing and how they affect your daily life. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems to help the consultant evaluate how you're feeling.
After the interview, your doctor will prepare a report that will provide you with the diagnosis and suggestions for ongoing support and treatment in the event that you suffer from ADHD. They will also talk to you about whether or how ADHD might be a factor in any health issues or concerns that you face.
There are different types of ADHD and they all present differently in different people. It is essential to tell your specialist the symptoms you're experiencing, so they can determine the kind of ADHD. A thorough ADHD assessment will assist you in finding the best treatment.
Private healthcare providers can provide an alternative route to an ADHD assessment for those who are in a position to accelerate the process and avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health providers will allow people to connect with experts who are knowledgeable about adult ADHD quicker. This procedure usually begins with a consultation with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD evaluations.