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. assessments for adhd is well-known for its long wait times.
In England, you can also obtain your ADHD assessment privately funded through the 'Right to Choose" pathway. The services you choose to use must be relevant to the clinical setting and not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the examination you will work with a senior psychiatrist to fully understand your thoughts of presentations, experiences and thoughts. You will be asked questions about your family history as well as any mental health issues you may have encountered in the past. The psychiatrist will collect information using a variety of sources, including symptoms checklists, behavior rating scales and speaking to you, your family members or close friends about how ADHD symptoms impact your life in various scenarios.
Depending on the medical professional's opinion, it may be necessary to determine whether or not your symptoms could be explained more effectively by psychiatric or medical conditions that mimic or coexist with ADHD. For example, anxiety disorders can often present similarly to symptoms of ADHD and may have a similar impact on work and relationships. Before considering medication or other treatments, it is crucial to determine if there are any other disorders that could trigger symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you decide to go the NHS route, the first step will be to see your GP and provide the reason why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP must consider this an issue that is serious and recommend you to an assessment. The NHS assessment wait times can be lengthy. If you can't wait, you may choose the private route which is more expensive but has shorter waiting times.
In your appointment, you'll be asked questions and administered the QbTest which is a computer-based test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity, and attention. It is important to familiarise yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment so that you can write down the instances where you have experienced them in your daily life. The psychiatrist will then assess your answers and discuss what the next steps should be and whether you would like to look into medication options.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is an option that is much faster than waiting for an NHS appointment. It is also more costly. The cost of an ADHD online assessment could range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, a complete diagnostic report and medications.
In the UK, children and adults are able to access ADHD assessments on the NHS through the referral of a GP. The BBC's investigation shows that there are lengthy waiting times to see an expert. One woman from Sheffield, for example, has been waiting two years to see a specialist. Her symptoms include suicidal impulses that could be an indication of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments say that patients should be seen by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). In the course of the assessment, a psychiatrist will interview and examine the individual with questionnaires and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their effects on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD often attempt to manage their symptoms with strategies such as diaries, calendars and post-it notes. However, these strategies aren't always efficient. These methods can create anxiety and confusion, especially in those with mental health issues. The assessment will include an examination of the body and a review of the medical history.
Right to Choose is a scheme offered by the NHS that allows you to select where you are assessed. Anyone who is registered with an GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this scheme. You can ask to have a private service that is partnered with NHS provide an ADHD assessment. As long as the service is accredited by NHS and isn't charging more than NHS and you request to be referred.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD assessment is typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist and follows the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Adults may also be assessed for co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety.
During your appointment, you will discuss with your doctor your current symptoms as well as any family history. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. During this process the expert will note your behaviour and how it affects others such as your spouse or your children.
The psychiatrist will review all the data to determine if you are in line with the ADHD criteria, including subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and suggest the best method of treatment.
If your doctor recommends a medication you will be given a prescription to take to any pharmacy you like. The cost of prescriptions is intended for administrative use only and don't cover the cost of medicines. You'll need to pay for the medication. Additional appointments are possible when you have to adjust your medication.
Once you've received your diagnosis It's crucial to communicate the results with your GP and anyone else who should be aware, like your employer or school. Our experts can provide letters of recommendation for accommodations in your education like extra time during exams or shorter deadlines.
For some, getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a lengthy process, especially if their GP doesn't take them seriously or doesn't believe they're suffering from the symptoms. If you're one of them, you may want to read our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and advice about how to get your GP recommend you for an assessment.
4. Medication
There are a variety of medications that are licensed to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. These stimulants include the well-known amphetamine-based medicine lisdexamfetamine, and the well-known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. At first, it's advised that patients begin with a low dose of medication which is then titrated up over several appointments until a patient has stabilized on their dosage. This is often accompanied with regular meetings with psychiatrists, to discuss side effects, and to monitor the progress.
Medicines can ease the many symptoms caused by ADHD and lessen the burden that they place on individuals, families and workplaces. They work by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters that enable brain cells to communicate with one other. Finding the right medication is an individual matter and may take some time. Once a person is on the correct medication, it is essential that they stick to their treatment regimen. If you continue to skip appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms could come back and the medication might not work as effectively.
A psychiatrist expert does not prescribe medication during the assessment session. However, they can refer you to an expert who will go over your options for medication with you and prescribe if necessary. This may require additional titration sessions to determine the appropriate dosage and periodic reviews to make sure that your medication is working. Most of the time the NHS will not cover your prescription, so it will incur an additional charge from your pharmacy.
Private clinics can also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendations to employers or schools if required. It can include advice and direction about medication or any medical concerns between appointments by emails or phone calls (limited to 20 minutes). The initial ADHD assessment is not inclusive of the costs for titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has long struggled to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessments. According to BBC research, waiting times in many areas can be as long as 8 years.
The assessment process may be lengthy however it is essential for a thorough diagnosis. 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 the impact they have on your daily life. You might also be asked complete questionnaires or fill out rating scales to help the consultant determine the severity of your illness.
Following the clinical interview, your doctor will put together an assessment report that will give you a diagnosis and recommendations for ongoing support and treatment in the event that you suffer from ADHD. They will also talk with you if ADHD is a contributing factor to any health problems or issues you might have.
There are various types of ADHD and they all present differently in each individual. It is crucial to inform your doctor about the symptoms you're experiencing so they can determine the type of ADHD. A comprehensive ADHD assessment can help you determine the right treatment.
Private healthcare providers can provide an alternative method of ADHD assessment for those who are able to speed up the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Patients can self-refer to an individual mental health professional and get faster access to specialists who have experience in adult ADHD. This process usually begins with a consultation with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessment.