The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you opt for the NHS route, your assessment and medication will be covered by the national health system. The NHS is well-known for its long waiting times.
In England, you can also have your ADHD evaluation funded privately through the "Right to Choose" pathway. The services you choose must be relevant to your clinical needs and should not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will be working with a psychiatrist of senior level to understand your thoughts of presentations, experiences and thoughts. You will be asked about your family background as well as any mental issues you have experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will gather information from a number of sources such as symptom checklists and scales for assessing behavior and will also talk to you and your family members or close friends about how ADHD symptoms can affect you in various settings.
Based on your healthcare professional's opinion, it could be important to determine if your symptoms are more easily explained by medical or psychiatric disorders that are akin to or coexist alongside ADHD. Anxiety disorders, like may present with symptoms that are similar to ADHD and have a similar 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 will be to visit your GP and discuss the reasons you believe you are suffering from ADHD. Your GP should be aware of this and refer you to an assessment. However, waiting times for NHS assessments can be long. If you cannot wait, you can opt for the private route that is more costly but has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment, you will be asked to fill out some questionnaires, and the QbTest (a computer-generated test that measures core ADHD symptoms of attention, activity and impulsivity) will be administered. You should be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD so you can describe how you experience these characteristics in your daily life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers and discuss the next steps should be including if you'd like to explore the possibility of medication.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is a possibility that can be much quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it can be more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients can range from PS240-PS2500. This includes the assessment, a complete diagnostic report and medication costs.
In the UK adults and children can receive ADHD assessments through the NHS with a referral from their GP. However, the BBC's investigation has revealed that there are long waits to visit a specialist. For instance, one woman in Sheffield has been waiting for two years. Suicidal tendencies are among her symptoms, and could indicate that she is not diagnosed with ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, patients with ADHD should be evaluated by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the examination the psychiatrist will examine and interview the individual, using questionnaires and observation of behavior. The psychiatrist will determine the severity of ADHD and its impact on daily life.
People with ADHD often try to manage their symptoms through strategies like diaries, calendars and post-it notepads. However, these strategies aren't always successful. They can even lead to more stress and confusion especially for those already suffering from mental health conditions. The assessment will include an examination of the body and a review medical history.
Right to Choose is a scheme offered by the NHS that allows you to select where you are being referred for an assessment. Anyone who is registered with an GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this scheme. You can ask to be directed to a private clinic that is partnered 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 psychiatrist or specialist nurse will typically conduct an ADHD assessment, using the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). For adults, this includes consideration of comorbid conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
During your appointment, you'll discuss with your 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 how your behavior impacts other people in your life, such as your partner or children.
The psychiatrist will take into consideration all of the information to determine if you are in line with the ADHD criteria, including subtypes. The specialist will discuss their findings and will discuss with you the best treatment.
If how to get an adhd assessment uk recommends a medicine you will be given an order to take it to any pharmacy you like. The cost of prescriptions covers the administrative process but do not include the cost of the medications that you be required to pay separately. If you need an adjustment of your medication, additional appointments might 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 know about it, such your school or employer. Our specialists can write letters of recommendation for accommodations in your education such as additional time during exams or reduced deadlines.
For some, getting an ADHD diagnosis may be a lengthy process especially when their GP doesn't take them seriously or doesn't believe they're suffering from the symptoms. If this is the case for you, we suggest reading our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and advice on how to convince your GP to refer you.
4. Medication
In the UK, a number medications are approved to treat ADHD. These are often stimulants and include the well-known medication methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the newer amphetamine-based medicine lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). At first, it's recommended that patients start with a low dosage of medication, which is gradually increased over a number of appointments until a patient is stabilised on their dosage. This is often accompanied by regular appointments with psychiatrists to discuss the effects of medication and track the progress.
Medicines can ease the symptoms caused by ADHD and lessen the burden that they place on families, individuals and workplaces. They work by increasing neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate. But, the best medication is a matter of individual preference and finding it can take time. Once a person is on the correct medication, it is crucial that they remain with their treatment regimen. If they continue to skip appointments or stopping taking their medication could cause symptoms to return and the medication not working as effectively.
A specialist psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment, but they will be able to refer you on to a specialist nurse who will discuss medication options and prescribe if necessary. This may require further titration sessions to determine the appropriate dosage, and regular checks to ensure that the medication is effective. The NHS typically does not pay for prescriptions, which means you will have to pay a premium at the pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendations to schools or employers if needed. It can include advice and direction on medication or medical concerns between appointments by telephone calls or email (limited to 20 minutes). However, the costs of titration and follow-up are not included in an initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for years to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessment. As a result, many areas are experiencing wait times of up to eight years, according to BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.
The assessment process may be lengthy but it's essential to get a complete diagnosis. The psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will talk to you about your medical history and your lifestyle, and also the symptoms that you are experiencing and the impact they have on your daily routine. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems to help the psychiatrist determine how you feel.
After the interview, your doctor will prepare an assessment report that will provide you with the diagnosis and suggestions for ongoing support and treatment if you have ADHD. They will also inform you about if and how ADHD could be a contributing factor to any health issues or concerns that you have.
There are many different kinds of ADHD and each manifests differently for each person. It is essential to tell your specialist the symptoms you're experiencing so they can determine the type of ADHD. A comprehensive ADHD assessment can help you determine the appropriate 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 wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health providers can allow individuals to access specialists who specialize in adult ADHD more quickly. This process often begins with an initial consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist experienced in adult ADHD assessments.