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. However, the NHS typically has lengthy waiting times.
In England, you can also obtain your ADHD evaluation funded privately through the "Right to Choose" route. The services you choose must be relevant to the clinical setting and not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the examination, you will collaborate with a psychiatrist who is experienced to analyze your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will also be asked questions about your family history as well as any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will gather data from a variety sources including symptoms checklists, behaviour rating scales, and talk to you, your family members or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different situations.
Based on your healthcare professional's judgement, it could be important for them to determine if your symptoms can be more easily explained by medical or psychiatric disorders that are similar to or coexist alongside ADHD. Anxiety disorders, for example are often associated with symptoms similar to ADHD and can have the same effect on relationships and work. Before deciding on medication or other treatments, it is crucial 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 is to see your GP and explain why you think you are suffering from ADHD. Your GP should consider this to be an issue that is serious and send you for an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be very long. If you can't wait, you can choose the private route, which is more expensive, but has shorter waiting times.
At the time of your appointment, you will be asked to fill out several questionnaires. Then, the QbTest (a computer-based test that tests the core ADHD symptoms of attention, activity, and impulsivity) will be administered. It is important to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to describe the ways you experience these symptoms in your everyday life. The psychiatrist will assess your answers and discuss the next steps. This could include examining medication options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments can be an efficient alternative to waiting for an NHS appointment. It can also be more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment could range between PS240 and PS2500. cheapest adhd assessment includes the assessment as well as a full diagnosis report and medication costs.
In the UK adults and children can access ADHD assessments through the NHS through an appointment with a doctor. The BBC's investigation shows that there are long waiting times to see specialists. One woman in Sheffield, for example has waited for two years. Her symptoms include suicidal impulses that could be an indication of undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, patients who suffers from ADHD should be assessed by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the assessment the psychiatrist will examine and interview the person by using questionnaires and observations of behaviour. The psychiatrist will determine the severity of ADHD and the impact it has on daily life.
People with ADHD typically employ strategies such as calendars, diaries and post-it notes to manage their symptoms. However, these strategies aren't always successful. They can even lead to more stress and confusion, especially for those already struggling with mental health conditions. The examination will also consist of physical examination as well as an examination of medical background.
The NHS offers a program called Right to Choose, which lets you choose the location to which you're referred for an assessment. Anyone who is registered with a GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this scheme. You can request to be recommended to a private company partnered with the NHS that can provide 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 a psychiatrist or specialist nurse and is based on the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). For adults, this involves consideration of comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression.
During your appointment, you will discuss with the consultant your current symptoms and any family history. You'll be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems. In this process, the expert will assess the way your behavior affects others in your life, like your spouse or children.
The psychiatrist will review all the data to determine if you are in line with the ADHD criteria including subtypes. Your specialist will then explain their findings and suggest the best treatment options.
If a psychiatrist recommends a medication you will be given the prescription to take to any pharmacy you like. The prescription fees are for the administrative process only and do not cover the cost of medications. You will have to pay separately for the medication. If you require a medication titration, additional appointments could be required until you're stable with the medication.
It is important to discuss your diagnosis with your GP and anyone else who needs to be aware of it, such as your employer or school. Our specialists can provide letters of recommendation for educational accommodations such as additional time during exams or shorter deadlines.
For some, getting an ADHD diagnosis may be a long process, especially when their GP doesn't take them seriously or doesn't believe they have the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we suggest going through our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and advice on how you can get your GP to send you.
4. Medication
In the UK, a number medications are approved for treating ADHD. These are often stimulants, and include the well-known methylphenidate medication (Ritalin) and the newer amphetamine based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). In the beginning, it is advised that patients begin with a low dosage of medication that is gradually increased over a number of appointments until a patient is stabilized on their dosage. This is often followed by regular meetings with psychiatrists to discuss the effects of medication and track progress.
Medications can help to alleviate the many symptoms caused by ADHD and ease the burden they place on individuals, families and workplaces. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters that enable brain cells to communicate with each and each other. Finding the right drug is very individual and may take some time. Once a person is on the correct medication, it's vital that they remain with the treatment program. Continuing to miss appointments or discontinuing their medication could result in symptoms recurring and the medication not working as efficiently.
An expert psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment however, they can refer you to a specialist nurse who can discuss your options for medication and prescribe, if needed. This will involve further titration appointments to get the right dosage, and regular checks to ensure the effectiveness of your medication. The NHS typically does not cover prescriptions, so you will have to pay an additional fee at your pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendations to schools or employers in the event that they are required. Email or brief phone conversations (limited to 20 min) can be used to offer guidance and advice on medical or medication questions between appointments. The initial ADHD assessment is not inclusive of the costs for titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has long struggled to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. As a result, 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 can be lengthy but is necessary for a thorough diagnostic. The psychiatrist conducting your assessment will spend time talking to you about your medical history and lifestyle, as well as your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the psychiatrist assess how you are feeling.
After the interview, your doctor will write the report, which will give you a diagnosis and recommendations for ongoing support and treatment for ADHD. They will also discuss with you whether ADHD is a contributing factor to any health issues or concerns you might have.
There are many types of ADHD and they all present differently in each individual. It's important that you tell your doctor about the symptoms that you are experiencing, so that they can determine the type of ADHD. A comprehensive ADHD assessment can help you determine the appropriate treatment.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative to an ADHD assessment for individuals who are able to accelerate the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health professionals can allow individuals to access experts who are knowledgeable about adult ADHD quicker. The process usually begins with a consultation with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist experienced in adult ADHD evaluations.