The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you go through the NHS option, your examination and medication will be covered by the national health system. However the NHS typically has long waiting times.
In England, you can also obtain your ADHD assessment privately funded through the 'Right to Choose" route. 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 assessment you will collaborate with a psychiatrist who is experienced to analyze your thoughts, presentations, and experiences. You will be asked questions about your family history and any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will then gather information from a number of sources such as symptom checklists and scales for assessing behavior, as well as talking to you and your relatives or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different environments.
Based on your doctor's judgement, it could be necessary to determine if your symptoms could be better explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that are akin to or coexist with ADHD. For example anxiety disorders may manifest similarly to symptoms of ADHD and can affect relationships and work. Before considering medication or other treatments, it is important to eliminate any other conditions that may cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you decide to use the NHS, your first step is to visit your GP to explain why you believe you suffer from ADHD symptoms. Your GP should consider this to be serious issue and send you for an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be long. If you're not able to wait, you can take the private route instead, which can be more expensive but provides shorter wait times.
In your appointment, you'll be asked a few questions and will be administered the QbTest, a computerised test that tests the primary ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity and attention. It is important to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment so that you are able to write down the instances where you have experienced them in your daily life. The psychiatrist will then evaluate your answers and determine the next steps are and whether you would like to explore the possibility of medication.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is an option that can be much quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it can be more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment could range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, a comprehensive diagnostic report and medication costs.
In the UK Adults and children can get ADHD assessments through the NHS through an appointment from their doctor. The BBC's investigation shows that there are lengthy waiting times to see an expert. For example, one woman from Sheffield has been waiting for over two years. The symptoms she has are suicidal thoughts, which can be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments stipulate that a patient should be seen by a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the examination, a psychiatrist will interview and examine the person with questionnaires and observe their behaviour. The psychiatrist will then assess the severity of ADHD symptoms and their effects on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD frequently employ strategies such as calendars, diaries and post-it notes to manage their symptoms. These strategies aren't always efficient. These methods can cause anxiety and confusion, particularly for those who suffer from mental health issues. The examination will also consist of a physical examination and a review of medical history.
The NHS has a scheme called Right to Choose, which allows you to choose the location to which you're referred for an assessment. This is available to everyone who's registered with a GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can ask to be recommended to a private company that is partnered with the NHS that offers an ADHD assessment, so long as they're licensed by the NHS and don't charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD assessment is usually 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 can also be evaluated for comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression.
During your appointment, you'll discuss with your doctor your current symptoms and any family history. You'll be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems. In this process, the expert will note how your behaviour impacts others in your life, such as your partner or children.
The doctor will take all the data into consideration to help determine whether you meet the requirements for ADHD, including its subtypes. The specialist will then outline their findings and suggest the best course of treatment.
If a psychiatrist recommends a medication you will be given the prescription to take to any pharmacy of your choice. The prescription fees are intended for administrative use only and don't cover the cost of medicines. You'll need to pay separately for the medication. Additional appointments might be required if you need to titrate your medication.
It is essential to share your diagnosis with your GP as well as anyone else who needs to be aware of it, like your school or employer. you can try this out can also provide recommendation letters for educational accommodations, such as extra time in exams or shortened deadlines.
Some people may have difficulty obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, especially if their GP isn't convinced that they exhibit the symptoms. If this is the case, you may want to go through our article on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and suggestions on how to make your GP refer you.
4. Medication
In the UK, a number medications are approved to treat ADHD. These include the well-known amphetamine-based medication Lisdexamfetamine and the well known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. It is typical to suggest that patients start with a small dose of medication, and then gradually increased over a number of visits until the patient is at a stable dosage. This is often accompanied with regular sessions with psychiatrists, to discuss side effects, and monitor the progress.
The use of medication can ease many symptoms that are caused by ADHD and reduce the burden they place on families, individuals and workplaces. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate with each other. Finding the right medication is very individual and may take some time. Once a person has been prescribed the correct medication, it is essential that they remain with their treatment regimen. If you continue to skip appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms can be recurrent and the medication may not be as effective.
An expert psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment however, they will be able to refer you on to a specialist nurse who will discuss the options for medication and prescribe if necessary. This could require additional periodic titration sessions to ensure you are receiving the right dosage, and regular reviews to check the effectiveness of your medication. In general, the NHS will not pay for your prescription, so it will incur an additional cost for your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. If required, this may include sending recommendation letters to schools or employers. Short phone calls or emails (limited to 20 min) can be used to offer advice and guidance on medical or medication concerns in between appointments. However, the cost of titration and follow-up are not covered in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for a long time to meet demand for adult ADHD tests for adults with ADHD. According to BBC research waiting times in many areas can be as long as 8 years.
The assessment process may be lengthy but it's essential to get a complete diagnosis. The doctor who conducts your assessment will talk to you about your medical history and your lifestyle, as well as the symptoms you're 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.
After the interview, your specialist will prepare an assessment report that will provide you with the diagnosis and suggestions for ongoing support and treatment in the event that you suffer from ADHD. They will also talk to you about whether and how ADHD could be a contributing factor to any health concerns or issues that you have.
There are many kinds of ADHD and they are all displayed differently in different people. It is essential to tell your doctor about the symptoms that you're experiencing so they can determine the kind of ADHD. This is the reason a thorough ADHD assessment is so important and will give you the best chance of locating the right treatment for your symptoms.
Private healthcare providers are an alternative to the NHS for those who wish to avoid the wait and to speed up their ADHD assessment. Patients can self-refer to an individual mental health professional, and this can provide more rapid access to specialists with experience in adult ADHD. This process usually starts with a consultation with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in adult ADHD assessment.