The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health service will cover your medication and assessment if you choose to go the NHS route. However the NHS typically has long waiting times.
You can also get your ADHD assessment funded privately through the 'Right of Choice option in England. However the services you select must be appropriate for your needs and must not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment, you will work with a senior psychiatrist to 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 then gather information from a number of sources, including 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 the healthcare professional's judgement, it may be necessary to assess whether or not your symptoms could be explained better by other medical or psychiatric disorders that coexist with ADHD. For example anxiety disorders often present similarly to symptoms of ADHD and can have a similar impact on work and relationships. Before considering medication or other treatments, it is essential to eliminate any other conditions that may cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you choose to go the NHS option, the first step will be to visit your GP and provide the reason why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should treat this as an issue that is serious and refer you to an assessment. However waiting times for NHS assessments can be lengthy. If you are unable to wait, you may take the private route instead, which can be more expensive, but has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment you will be asked a few questions and will be administered the QbTest which is a computer-based test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity and attention. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, so that you can write down instances of how you have experienced these symptoms in your life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers and determine the next steps should be including if you'd like to consider pursuing the possibility of medication.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are more efficient than waiting for a NHS appointment. It can also be more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment could range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, a complete diagnosis report, and the cost of medication.
In the UK adults and children can obtain ADHD assessments through the NHS with the help of their GP. The BBC's investigation has revealed that there are lengthy waiting times to consult a specialist. For instance, one woman from Sheffield has been waiting for two years. Her symptoms include suicidal tendencies, which can be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, patients with ADHD should be evaluated by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). In the course of the assessment, psychiatrists will interview and examine the patient using questionnaires, and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will then assess the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD typically employ strategies such as diaries, calendars, and post-it note to manage their symptoms. These strategies aren't always effective. They can even lead to more stress and confusion, particularly for those already suffering from mental health issues. The examination will also consist of an examination of the body and an examination of medical history.
Right to Choose is a scheme offered by the NHS which allows you to select where you are being referred for an assessment. I Am Psychiatry who is registered with a GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this program. You can ask to be directed to a private clinic 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
An ADHD assessment is usually conducted by psychiatrists or specialist nurses and follows the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). For adults, this may include consideration of comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll talk about your current symptoms and your family history with the consultant. You'll be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems. During this process, an expert will note how your behavior impacts other people in your life, including your spouse or children.
The psychiatrist will review all of the information to determine if you are in line with the ADHD criteria including subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and discuss the best method of treatment.
If the psychiatrist suggests medication the prescription will be provided for you to take to a pharmacy of your choice. The prescription fees are for the administrative process only and don't cover the cost of medicines. You'll need to pay for the medication. If you need a medication titration, additional appointments may be required until you're stable with the medication.
It's important that you share your diagnosis with your GP and anyone else who may need to be aware of it, like your school or employer. Our experts can provide letters of recommendation for educational accommodations like additional time during exams or shorter deadlines.
Some people may have difficulty obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, especially when their GP does not believe that they are suffering from the symptoms. If this is you are one of them, you might want to check out our guide on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and advice about how to get your GP to refer to you.
4. Medication
In the UK There are many medications that are approved for treating ADHD. These are typically stimulants, and include the well-known methylphenidate drug (Ritalin) and the more recent amphetamine based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). It is generally recommended that patients begin with a small amount of medication, which is then gradually increased over a number of visits until the patient is at a stable dosage. This is often followed by regular appointments 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 help by increasing neurotransmitters, which allow brain cells to communicate. However, the right medication is a matter of individual preference and determining it could take time. Once a patient is prescribed the appropriate medication, it's crucial to stick to their treatment regimen. Inability to attend appointments or discontinuing their medication could result in symptoms recurring and the medication not working as well.
A psychiatrist expert will not prescribe medication in the assessment session. However, they may refer you to an expert who will discuss your options for taking medication and prescribe, if needed. This could require additional appointment for titration to determine the correct dosage and regular reviews to monitor the effectiveness of your medication. The NHS generally does not pay for prescriptions, which means you'll need to pay an additional fee at your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending letters of recommendation to employers or schools if required. Short phone calls or emails (limited to 20 minutes) can be used to provide advice and guidance on medical or medication questions between appointments. However, the costs associated with monitoring and titration are not included in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for a long time to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessments. 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 assessment process may be lengthy but it's essential to get a complete diagnosis. The psychiatrist conducting your assessment will be in contact with you about your medical history and lifestyle and also your symptoms and their impact on your life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the doctor assess how you are feeling.
After the clinical interview, you will receive an evaluation from your doctor that will include a diagnosis of ADHD and treatment recommendations and ongoing support. They will also discuss with you whether ADHD is a factor in any health issues or concerns you may have.
There are many different kinds of ADHD and each manifests differently for each person. This is why it's essential to identify the specific symptoms you are experiencing so that your doctor can determine the correct type of ADHD. A comprehensive ADHD assessment will assist you in finding the appropriate treatment.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative method of ADHD assessment for those who are able to accelerate the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Patients can self-refer to an independent mental health practitioner which can give faster access to specialists with expertise in adult ADHD. This process often begins with a consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist experienced in adult ADHD assessments.