cheapest adhd assessment of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health service will cover your medication and assessment should you opt to take the NHS route. The NHS is known for its lengthy waiting times.
In England there is also the option to have your ADHD evaluation privately funded via the 'Right to Choose" option. However the services you choose must be clinically appropriate and must not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the examination you will be working with a senior psychiatrist to fully comprehend 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 then collect information from a number of sources such as symptom checklists and scales of behavior rating and will also talk to you and your family members or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different environments.
Depending on the medical expert's judgment, it could be necessary to determine whether or not your symptoms could be better explained by psychiatric or medical conditions that mimic or coexist with ADHD. Anxiety disorders, for instance are often associated with symptoms that are similar to ADHD and have the same effect on relationships and work. Before considering any medication or other treatments, it is crucial to rule out any other disorders that may cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you decide to take the NHS route, the first step is to visit your GP and explain why you think you are suffering from ADHD. Your GP should be aware of this and refer you to an assessment. The NHS assessment wait times can be lengthy. If you're unable to wait, you may opt for the private route which can be more expensive but offers shorter wait times.
During your appointment you will be asked questions and will be administered the QbTest which is a computer-based test which measures the core ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity and attention. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, so that you are able to write down examples of how you experience them in your life. The psychiatrist will then assess your answers and discuss the next steps are and whether you would like to look into medication options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments can be an efficient alternative to waiting for a NHS appointment. However, it's 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, children and adults can get ADHD assessments through the NHS through the referral of a GP. The BBC's investigation shows that there are lengthy waiting times to see an expert. For example, one woman in Sheffield has been waiting for over two years. Suicidal impulses are one of her symptoms. This could be a sign that she may not be diagnosed with ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments state that a patient should be seen by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). In the course of the assessment, psychiatrists will interview and examine the individual using questionnaires, and observe their behaviour. The psychiatrist will determine the severity of ADHD and its impact on daily life.
People with ADHD typically employ strategies such as calendars, diaries, and post-it note to manage their symptoms. These strategies aren't always effective. They can cause more stress and confusion especially for those already struggling with underlying mental health conditions. The evaluation will include a physical exam and a review of the medical history.
The NHS has a scheme known as Right to Choose, which allows you to select where you're being referred to for an assessment. This is open to anyone who has a registered GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can ask to have a private service that is affiliated with NHS offer an ADHD assessment. As long as the service is approved by NHS and does not charge more than NHS and you request to be advised.
3. Diagnosis
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist will usually conduct an ADHD assessment, using the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). Adults may also be screened for comorbid disorders like anxiety or depression.
During your appointment, you will discuss with the doctor your current symptoms and any family history. You'll be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems. During this process the expert will note your behaviour and how it affects other people, such as your partner or your children.
The psychiatrist will review all of the information to determine if you are in line with the ADHD criteria including subtypes. Your specialist will explain their findings and discuss with you the best course of action.
If the psychiatrist recommends medication, a prescription will be given to you to take to a pharmacist of your choice. The prescription fees are for administrative purposes only and do not cover the cost of medicines. You'll need to pay for the medication. Additional appointments might be required when you have to adjust your medication.
After you've received your diagnosis It's crucial to communicate the results with your GP and anyone else you need to know, such as your school or employer. Our experts can provide letters of recommendation to request educational accommodations like extra time during exams or a reduction in deadlines.
For some, getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a lengthy process particularly if their GP does not take the diagnosis seriously or doesn't believe they have the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we suggest taking a look at our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and suggestions on how to get your GP to recommend you to a specialist.
4. Medication
In the UK there are a variety of medications that are approved for treating ADHD. These are often stimulants and include the well-known methylphenidate drug (Ritalin) and the newer amphetamine-based medicine, Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). It is common to recommend that patients start with a small dose of medication, which is then gradually increased over a number of appointments until the patient is at an acceptable dosage. This is usually accompanied by regular appointments 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 put on families, people and employers. They work by increasing neurotransmitters, which enable brain cells to communicate. Finding the right medication is very individual and takes some time. Once a patient is prescribed the correct medication, it's crucial to stick with the treatment program. Continuing to miss appointments or stop taking their medication can cause symptoms to return and the medication not working as effectively.
A psychiatrist expert will not prescribe medication in the assessment session. However, they will refer you to a specialist who will discuss your medication options with you and prescribe if necessary. This could require additional titration appointments to get the right dose 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 the pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending letters of recommendation to schools or employers when required. Brief phone conversations or email (limited to 20 min) can be used to provide guidance and advice on medication or medical questions in between appointments. However, the costs associated with monitoring and titration are not covered in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has long struggled to meet demand for adult ADHD assessments. This has meant that many areas have wait times as long as eight years, as per BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.
The assessment process can be lengthy, but it's vital to get a complete 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 how they affect your daily routine. You might also be asked to complete questionnaires or fill out rating scales to help the consultant assess your condition.
After the clinical interview after the clinical interview, you will receive the report of your specialist that will include the diagnosis of ADHD and treatment recommendations and ongoing support. They will also talk with you whether ADHD is a factor in any health problems or issues you might have.
There are many types of ADHD and they all present differently in different people. This is why it's important to know the exact symptoms you're experiencing so that your physician can identify the right kind of ADHD. This is why a thorough ADHD assessment is crucial and will give you the best chance of finding the right treatment for your symptoms.
Private healthcare providers are an alternative to the NHS for those who wish to avoid the wait and to accelerate their ADHD assessment. Patients can self-refer to an independent mental health practitioner, and this can provide more rapid access to specialists who have expertise in adult ADHD. This procedure usually begins with a consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist experienced in adult ADHD assessments.