The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health service will take care of your medication and assessments when you decide to take the NHS route. The NHS is known for its long wait times.
You can also have your ADHD assessment privately funded by the 'Right to choose' pathway in England. However the services you select must be appropriate for your needs and not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the examination you will work with a psychiatrist who is senior to fully understand your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will also be asked questions about your family history as well as any mental health issues that you may have encountered in the past. The psychiatrist will gather information from a number of sources, including symptom checklists and scales for assessing behavior as well as speaking with you and your relatives or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different settings.
Based on your healthcare professional's judgment, it may be necessary for them to determine if your symptoms are better explained by medical or psychiatric disorders that are similar to or coexist alongside ADHD. Anxiety disorders, for instance, can present with symptoms similar to ADHD and can have the same effect on relationships and work. It is therefore crucial to rule out other disorders that can cause symptoms of ADHD before moving on to look into the use of medications or other treatments for the disorder.
The NHS Route
If you decide to take the NHS option, the first step should be to visit your GP and explain why you think you are suffering from ADHD. Your GP must take this seriously and refer you for an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be long. If you are unable to wait, you may choose the private route which is more expensive but offers shorter waiting times.
In your appointment, you'll be asked to fill out several questionnaires. Then, the QbTest (a computer-generated test that tests the core ADHD symptoms of attention, activity, and impulsivity) will be administered. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment so that you are able to write down examples of how you experience these symptoms in your life. The psychiatrist will then evaluate your answers and discuss what the next steps are including if you'd like to explore treatment 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 can range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, as well as a comprehensive diagnosis report and medication costs.
In the UK Adults and children can obtain ADHD assessments through the NHS through the help of their GP. The BBC's investigation has revealed that there are lengthy waiting times to visit an expert. For instance, one woman from Sheffield has been waiting for over two years. Suicidal tendencies are among her symptoms, and could be a sign that she is not diagnosed with ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments state that a patient must be examined by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the examination, a psychiatrist will examine and interview the individual, using questionnaires and observation of behaviour. The psychiatrist will then evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their effects on daily life.
cost of adhd assessment uk suffering from ADHD tend to manage their symptoms with strategies like diaries, calendars and post-it notepads. However, these methods aren't always effective. They can cause more stress and confusion especially for those already struggling with mental health issues. The assessment will include a physical exam and a review medical history.
Right to Choose is a scheme offered by the NHS which allows you to choose where you're assessed. Anyone registered with a GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this program. You can ask to have a private service that is partnered with NHS provide an ADHD assessment. If the service is licensed by NHS and does not charge more than NHS or NHS, you can ask to be advised.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD assessment is typically conducted by psychiatrists or specialist nurses and is based on the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Adults may also be screened for comorbid disorders like anxiety or depression.
During your appointment, you will discuss with the consultant your current symptoms as well as any family history. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. In this process, the expert will evaluate how your behaviour impacts others in your life, like your children or spouse.
The psychiatrist will review all the data to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria, including subtypes. Your specialist will then explain their findings and suggest the best method of treatment.
If the doctor recommends a medication, a prescription will be provided for you to take to a pharmacist of your preference. The cost of prescriptions is intended for administrative use only and do not cover the cost of medicines. You will have to pay separately for the medication. Additional appointments are possible if you need to titrate your medication.
It's important that you share your diagnosis with your GP, as well as anyone else who needs to be aware of it, such as your employer or school. Our specialists can also write recommendation letters for accommodations to your education like extra time in exams or shortened deadlines.
For some people, getting an ADHD diagnosis may be a long process, particularly when their GP doesn't take them seriously or doesn't believe they're suffering from the symptoms. If you're one of them then you should read our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and guidance on how to have your GP recommend to you.
4. Medication
In the UK there are a variety of medications that are approved for treating ADHD. These stimulants include the well-known amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine, as well as the well known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. Initially, it is usually recommended that patients start with a small dose of medication that is gradually increased over a number of appointments until a patient is stabilized on their dosage. This is often accompanied by regular sessions with psychiatrists to discuss any side effects and monitor progress.
The medications can reduce symptoms of ADHD and reduce the burden they impose on people, families and employers. They do this by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate with each with each other. Finding the right drug is a personal choice and takes some time. Once someone is prescribed the appropriate medication, it's crucial to adhere to the treatment regimen. If you continue to miss appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms can come back and the medication might not be as effective.
A psychiatrist expert does not prescribe medication during the assessment session. However, they may refer you to an expert who will discuss your medication options with you and, if needed, prescribe. This will require further titration sessions to determine the appropriate dosage and periodic reviews to ensure that the medication is working. The NHS does not usually pay for prescriptions, which means you'll have to pay extra at the pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. If required, this may include sending recommendation letters to schools or employers. It can include guidance and advice 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 titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for years to meet demand for adult ADHD assessment. In the end, some areas have waiting times that can be as long as eight years, as per BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.
The process of assessing you can be long, but it's vital for a thorough diagnosis. The psychiatrist who conducts your assessment will talk to you about your medical history and lifestyle, as well as the symptoms that you are experiencing and their impact on your daily routine. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the psychiatrist evaluate how you're feeling.
Following the clinical interview you will receive the report of your specialist that will include an assessment of ADHD and treatment recommendations and ongoing support. They will also talk with you if ADHD is a contributing factor to any health issues or concerns you may have.
There are different kinds of ADHD and they are all displayed differently in different people. It's important that you tell your doctor about the symptoms that you're experiencing, to determine the type of ADHD. A thorough ADHD assessment will assist you in finding the appropriate treatment.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative route to an ADHD assessment for those who are in a position to speed up the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health professionals permit individuals to get access to specialists with expertise in adult ADHD faster. The process typically starts with a meeting with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in adult ADHD assessment.