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 care system. The NHS is well-known for its long wait times.
adhd assessment cost uk can also obtain your ADHD assessment privately funded through the 'Right to choose route in England. However the services you choose must be suitable for your clinical needs and not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the examination, you will collaborate with a psychiatrist who is experienced to understand your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will be asked about your family history and any mental issues that you've experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will collect data from a variety sources like symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales and speaking to you, your family members or close friends, about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different situations.
Based on the healthcare professional's judgement, it may be necessary to evaluate whether or not your symptoms may be explained better by psychiatric or medical conditions that mimic or coexist with ADHD. For example anxiety disorders often manifest similarly to symptoms of ADHD and may have a similar impact on the work environment and relationships. Before considering medication or other treatments, it is important to rule out any other disorders that could trigger symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you decide to use the NHS the first step is to visit your GP to explain the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD symptoms. Your GP should be aware of this and refer you for an assessment. However waiting times for NHS assessments can be very long. If you can't wait, you may 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 that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of impulsivity and activity as well as attention. You should familiarise yourselves with the signs of ADHD to be able to describe how you experience these characteristics in your everyday life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers and discuss what the next steps should be, including if you would like to look into treatment options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are an efficient alternative to waiting for an NHS appointment. It's also more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment could range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment as well as a complete diagnosis report as well as medication costs.
In the UK Adults and children can receive ADHD assessments through the NHS with the help of their GP. The BBC's investigation has revealed that there are long waiting times to consult specialists. One woman in Sheffield for instance, has been waiting two years to see a specialist. Suicidal tendencies are among her symptoms, and could be a sign that she has undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, patients who suffers from ADHD should be assessed by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the examination, a psychiatrist will examine and interview the patient, using questionnaires and observation of their behavior. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD and its impact on daily living.
People with ADHD often use strategies like diaries, calendars and post-it notes to manage their symptoms. These strategies are not always effective. They could cause more anxiety and confusion, especially for those already suffering from mental health issues. The evaluation will include physical examination and a review of medical history.
The NHS has a scheme called Right to Choose, which allows you to select where you're being referred to for an assessment. It's available to anyone who has a registered GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can ask to be recommended to a private company that is partnered with the NHS which offers an ADHD assessment, as long they're licensed by the NHS and do not charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse will usually conduct an ADHD assessment, using the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). For adults, this includes consideration of comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety.
During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and family history with the doctor. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. During this process the expert will observe your behavior and how it impacts others like your spouse or your children.
The psychiatrist will consider all the evidence to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria and subtypes. The specialist will discuss their findings and then discuss with you the best approach to treat it.
If a psychiatrist recommends a medication you will be issued the prescription to take to any pharmacy of your choice. The cost of prescriptions covers the administrative procedure but do not cover the cost of the medications themselves, which you'll be required to pay separately. If you require an adjustment of your medication, additional appointments might be needed until you're comfortable with the medication.
Once you've been diagnosed It's crucial to communicate the results with your GP and anyone else you need to be aware, like your employer or school. Our specialists can write letters of recommendation to request educational accommodations like extended time during exams, or shorter deadlines.
For some people, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis can be a long process, particularly in the event that their GP doesn't consider them serious or doesn't believe they have the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we recommend taking a look at our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and suggestions on how to get your GP to refer you.
4. Medication
In the UK, a number medications are approved for treating ADHD. These stimulants include the well-known amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine, and the well-known methylphenidate drug Ritalin. It is generally recommended that patients begin with a small amount of medication, and then gradually increased over a series of visits until the patient reaches an appropriate dosage. This is usually followed by regular sessions with psychiatrists to discuss side effects and track progress.
The use of medication can ease the many symptoms caused by ADHD and reduce the burden they place on individuals, families and workplaces. They function by increasing neurotransmitters that enable brain cells to communicate. Finding the right drug is very individual and takes some time. Once a patient is prescribed the appropriate medication, it's essential to stick with their treatment regimen. If you continue to skip appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms can come back and the medication might not work as effectively.
A psychiatrist expert is not able to prescribe medication during the assessment session. However, they can refer you to a specialist who will discuss your medication options with you and prescribe if necessary. This will involve further periodic titration sessions to ensure you are receiving the right dose and regular reviews to monitor the effectiveness of your medication. Typically, the NHS will not cover your prescription, so this would incur an additional charge from your pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendations to employers or schools, if required. It can include advice and direction regarding medication or medical questions between appointments via telephone calls or email (limited to 20 minutes). The initial ADHD assessment does not include the costs for treatment or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has struggled for years to meet demand for adult ADHD assessment. This has meant that many areas are experiencing wait times of up to eight years, as per BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.
The process of assessing you can be long however it is essential to have a clear diagnosis. The doctor who conducts the assessment will be in contact with you about your medical history and lifestyle and also your symptoms and their impact on your life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the consultant determine how you feel.
After the interview after the clinical interview, you will receive a report from your specialist which will include the diagnosis of ADHD and suggestions for treatment and ongoing support. They will also talk to you about whether and how ADHD could be a contributing factor to any health problems or concerns that you face.
There are many different kinds of ADHD and each manifests differently for each person. This is why it's crucial to know the specific symptoms you are experiencing so that your doctor can identify the right kind of ADHD. This is the reason a thorough ADHD assessment is crucial and will give you the best chance of finding the best treatment for your issues.
Private healthcare providers can provide an alternative method of ADHD assessment for individuals who are able to speed up the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Patients can self-refer to an independent mental health practitioner, and this can provide faster access to specialists with expertise in adult ADHD. This process often starts with a first consultation with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD evaluations.