The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health system will provide your medical and assessment when you decide to take the NHS route. The NHS is well-known for its lengthy waiting times.
You can also have your ADHD assessment privately funded by the 'Right to Choose route in England. The services you select must be clinically relevant and not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will collaborate with a psychiatrist who is experienced to help you understand your thoughts, presentations, and experiences. You will be asked about your family background and any mental issues you have had in the past. The psychiatrist will gather information from a variety of sources like symptoms checklists, behaviour rating scales, and talk to you, your family or close friends, about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different situations.
Depending on your healthcare professional's judgement, it could be important for them to determine if your symptoms could be better explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that are similar to or coexist with ADHD. Anxiety disorders, for instance, can present with symptoms that are similar to ADHD and have a similar effect on relationships and work. Before deciding on medication or other treatments, it is crucial to rule out any other disorders that could trigger symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you decide to take the NHS option, the first step should be to visit your GP and provide the reason why you believe you are suffering from ADHD. Your GP should consider this to be an issue that is serious and refer you to an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be long. If you are unable to wait, you can opt for the private route which is more expensive, but has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment, you will be asked to fill in several questionnaires. Then, the QbTest (a computerised test that tests the core ADHD symptoms of activity, attention and impulsivity) will be administered. You should familiarise yourselves with the signs of ADHD so you can describe how you experience these traits in your daily life. The psychiatrist will assess your answers, and then discuss the next steps. This could include looking into different options for treatment.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is a possibility that is much faster than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it can be more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients can vary from PS240 to PS2500. This includes the assessment, as well as a full diagnosis report and medication costs.
In the UK, adults or children can obtain ADHD assessments through the NHS with the help of their GP. However, the BBC's investigation shows that there are long waits to visit a specialist. For sites , one woman in Sheffield has been waiting for over two years. Suicidal thoughts are among her symptoms, which could indicate that she is not diagnosed with ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments say that patients should be evaluated by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the assessment, a psychiatrist will assess and interview the person using questionnaires and observation of behaviour. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.
People with ADHD frequently employ strategies such as calendars, diaries and post-it notes to manage their symptoms. However, these methods aren't always efficient. They can cause more stress and confusion especially for those who are already struggling with underlying mental health conditions. The examination will consist of an examination of the body and a review of the medical history.
Right to Choose is a scheme of the NHS that lets you choose where you're being 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 be recommended to a private company which is affiliated with the NHS that can provide an ADHD assessment, as long as they're licensed by the NHS and don't charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist will typically conduct an ADHD assessment, using the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). Adults may also be assessed for co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety.
During the appointment, you'll talk about your current symptoms and your family background with the physician. They'll also ask you to fill out questionnaires or rating scales. During this process, the expert will assess the way your behavior affects others in your life, including your partner or children.
The psychiatrist will take into consideration all of the information to determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and subtypes. The specialist will discuss their findings and discuss with you the best course of action.
If the doctor recommends a medication the prescription will be provided for you to take to a pharmacy of your choice. The cost of prescriptions is for the administrative process only and do not cover the cost of medicines. You'll need to pay separately for the medication. Additional appointments may be needed if you need to titrate your medication.
It is important to discuss your diagnosis with your GP and anyone else who needs to be aware of it, like your school or employer. Our specialists can provide letters of recommendation to request educational accommodations like extended time during exams, or a reduction in deadlines.
Some people might be unable to obtain an ADHD diagnosis, especially if their GP doesn't believe they exhibit the symptoms. If this is the case for you, we recommend going through our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and guidance on how to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist.
4. Medication
There are a number of medicines that are approved to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. These stimulants include the well-known amphetamine-based medication Lisdexamfetamine and the well-known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. Initially, it is usually advised that patients begin with a low dosage of medication that is gradually increased over a period of time until a patient is stabilised on their dosage. This is usually followed by regular meetings with psychiatrists, to discuss side effects, and monitor progress.
The medication can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and reduce the burden they put on families, individuals and employers. They function by increasing neurotransmitters, which allow brain cells to communicate. However, the correct medication is a matter of individual preference and finding it can take time. Once someone is prescribed the correct medication, it's important to stick to their treatment program. If you continue to miss appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms could come back and the medication might not work as effectively.
A qualified psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment session However, they can refer you to an expert nurse who will discuss the options for medication and prescribe if appropriate. This may require additional titration sessions to determine the correct dosage, and regular checks to ensure that your medication is working. The NHS typically does not cover prescriptions, so you'll need to pay a premium at your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending letters of recommendation to employers or schools, in the event that they are required. It can also include advice and guidance about medication or any medical concerns between appointments by email or brief phone calls (limited to 20 minutes). The initial ADHD assessment is not inclusive of the costs for titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for a long time to meet the demands for adult ADHD assessment. As a result, many areas have waiting times that can be as long as eight years, as per BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.
The process of assessing you can be long 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 that you are experiencing and how they affect your daily routine. You might also be asked to complete questionnaires or fill out rating scales to help the doctor evaluate your condition.
After the clinical interview, you will receive the report of your specialist which will include an assessment of ADHD and recommendations for treatment and ongoing support. They will also talk to you about whether and how ADHD might be a factor in any health concerns or issues that you may have.
There are several different types of ADHD and each one manifests differently in every individual. This is why it's important to know the exact symptoms you're experiencing so that your physician will be able to determine the appropriate type of ADHD. This is why a comprehensive ADHD assessment is crucial and will give you the best chance of finding the appropriate treatment for your issues.
Private healthcare providers offer an alternative to the NHS for those who wish to avoid the wait and to speed up their ADHD assessment. Individuals can make a self-referral directly to an independent mental health practitioner which can give faster access to specialists with expertise in adult ADHD. This procedure usually starts with a first consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD evaluations.