The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you opt for the NHS route, your assessment and treatment will be covered by the national health service. The NHS is notorious for its lengthy waiting times.
You can also get your ADHD assessment privately funded by the 'Right to Choose option in England. The services you choose to use must be clinically relevant and not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the examination you will be working with a psychiatrist who is senior to fully understand your thoughts of presentations, experiences and thoughts. You will also be asked questions about your family history as well as any mental health issues you may have encountered in the past. The psychiatrist will gather data from a variety sources including symptoms checklists, behavior rating scales and speaking to you, your family or close friends about how ADHD symptoms impact you in various situations.
Depending on your healthcare professional's judgement, it could be essential to determine if your symptoms could be better explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that mimic or coexist with ADHD. For instance anxiety disorders often manifest similarly to symptoms of ADHD and can have the same impact on the work environment and relationships. It is therefore important to rule out other disorders that could trigger symptoms of ADHD before beginning to look at treatment options or medications for the disorder.
The NHS Route
If you choose to utilize the NHS the first step is to visit your GP to explain why you believe you suffer from ADHD symptoms. Your GP should consider this to be 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 opt for the private route, which can be more expensive, but has shorter wait times.
During your appointment, you will be asked to complete several questionnaires, and then the QbTest (a computer-generated test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of attention, activity and impulsivity) will be administered. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, so that you can write down the instances where you have experienced these symptoms in your life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers and discuss what the next steps are, including if you would like to consider pursuing treatment options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are more efficient than waiting for a NHS appointment. It can also be more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients could range from PS240 to 2500. This includes the assessment, a full diagnostic report and medication costs.
In the UK adults and children can receive ADHD assessments through the NHS with an appointment from their doctor. The BBC's investigation shows that there are lengthy waiting times to see specialists. For instance, one woman from Sheffield has been waiting for two years. Her symptoms include suicidal impulses, which can be an indication of undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, a patient who suffers from ADHD is assessed by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the examination, a psychiatrist will interview and examine the patient with questionnaires and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will then evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on everyday life.
People suffering from ADHD frequently employ strategies such as calendars, diaries, and post-it note to manage their symptoms. These methods are not always effective. These methods can create confusion and stress, especially in those with mental health issues. The assessment will also include an examination of the body and a review of medical background.
The NHS has a scheme called Right to Choose, which allows you to select where you're referred for an assessment. This is open to anyone who's registered with a GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can ask to have a private clinic that's associated with NHS offer an ADHD assessment. As long as the service is accredited by NHS and doesn't charge higher than NHS and you request to be recommended.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD assessment is usually conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse and follows the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). For adhd assessment , this includes the assessment of comorbid disorders like anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and family history with the doctor. You'll be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems. In this process, the expert will note your behaviour and how it affects other people like your spouse or your children.
The psychiatrist will review all the evidence to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria, including subtypes. Your specialist will explain their findings and discuss with you the best approach to treat it.
If the doctor recommends a medication the prescription will be given to you to take to a pharmacist of your preference. The prescription fees are intended for administrative use only and do not cover the cost of medication. You'll need to pay for the medication. Additional appointments might be required if you need to titrate your medication.
Once you've been diagnosed It's crucial to share the results with your GP and anyone else who should be aware, like your employer or school. Our experts can also provide recommendations for educational accommodations for students, such as additional time in exams or shortened deadlines.
For some people, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis may be a lengthy process especially when their GP doesn't take them seriously or doesn't believe they have the symptoms. If this is you then you should check out our guide on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and advice about how to get your GP to refer you for an assessment.
4. Medication
There are a number of medications that are licensed to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. They are usually stimulants, including the well-known methylphenidate drug (Ritalin) and the more recent amphetamine based medicine lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). In the beginning, it is advised that patients begin with a low dosage of medication, which is titrated up over several appointments until a patient has stabilized on their dosage. This is usually followed by regular sessions with psychiatrists to discuss any side effects, and to monitor progress.
Medicines can ease the many symptoms caused by ADHD and ease the burden they place on families, individuals and workplaces. They work by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters that enable brain cells to communicate with each with each other. But, the best medication can be a bit different for each person and determining it could take time. When someone is prescribed the right medication, it's important to adhere to the treatment plan. If they continue to skip appointments or discontinuing their medication could result in symptoms recurring and the medication not working as efficiently.
A psychiatrist expert is not able to prescribe medication during the assessment session. However, they may refer you to an expert who will discuss your options for medication with you and, if needed, prescribe. This may require additional titration sessions to determine the appropriate dose and regular reviews to make sure that your medication is working. The NHS generally does not cover prescriptions, so you'll need to pay an additional fee at the pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. If required, this may include sending recommendation letters to schools or employers. Email or brief phone conversations (limited to 20 min) can be used to give guidance and advice on medical or medication concerns in between appointments. The initial ADHD assessment does not include the cost for titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has struggled for years to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessment. According to BBC research waiting times in a variety of areas can be as long as 8 years.
The process of assessment is long, but essential to provide a complete diagnosis. The doctor who conducts your assessment will talk to you about your lifestyle and medical history and also your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. You might also be asked fill out questionnaires or rate scales to help the doctor determine the severity of your illness.
After the interview, you will receive the report of your specialist which will include a diagnosis of ADHD and suggestions for treatment and ongoing support. They will also inform you if ADHD is a contributing factor to any health problems or issues you might have.
There are different kinds of ADHD and they all present differently in different people. This is why it's important to understand the specific symptoms you are experiencing so that your specialist can determine the correct kind of ADHD. This is why a comprehensive ADHD assessment is so important and will provide you with the best chance of finding the right treatment for your issues.
Private healthcare providers offer an alternative route to an ADHD assessment for those who are able to speed up the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health services will allow people to connect with specialists with expertise in adult ADHD quicker. This process often begins with a consultation with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessments.