The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health system will cover your medication and assessment when you decide to take the NHS route. However the NHS typically has long waiting times.
You can also have your ADHD assessment privately funded through the 'Right of Choice option in England. The services you select must be relevant to the clinical setting and not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will work with a psychiatrist of senior level to fully comprehend your thoughts of presentations, experiences and thoughts. You will be asked about your family background and any mental issues that you've had in the past. The psychiatrist will then gather data from several sources, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales and will also talk to you and your relatives or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different environments.
Based on the healthcare professional's judgement, it may be necessary to evaluate whether or not your symptoms may be explained more effectively by other psychiatric or medical disorders that coexist with ADHD. Anxiety disorders, for example are often associated with symptoms that are similar to ADHD and can have the same effect on work and relationships. It is therefore crucial to rule out any other disorder that can cause symptoms of ADHD before beginning to consider the use of medications or other treatments for the disorder.
The NHS Route
If you choose to utilize the NHS, your first step is to visit your GP to discuss the reasons you believe you have ADHD symptoms. Your GP should take this seriously and refer you to an assessment. However waiting times for NHS assessments can be very long. If you are unable to wait, you may opt for the private route which can be more expensive but offers shorter wait times.
At the time of your appointment, you'll be asked to complete several questionnaires, and then the QbTest (a computer-generated test that measures core ADHD symptoms of attention, activity, and impulsivity) will be administered. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment so that you can write down the instances where you have experienced them in your daily life. The psychiatrist will then evaluate your answers and discuss what the next steps are, including if you would like to look into the possibility of medication.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are a much faster option than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it is also more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, a comprehensive diagnostic report and medications.
In the UK children and adults can get ADHD assessments through the NHS through an appointment with a doctor. However, the BBC's investigation has revealed that there are long wait times to visit specialists. For instance, one woman in Sheffield has been waiting for two years. Suicidal thoughts are among her symptoms, which could be a sign that she is not diagnosed with ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments state that patients should be evaluated by a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the assessment, a psychiatrist will assess and interview the person through questionnaires and observation of their behavior. The psychiatrist will then assess the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on everyday life.
People suffering from ADHD tend to manage their symptoms through strategies like diaries calendars and post-it notes. These strategies aren't always efficient. These methods can create anxiety and confusion, especially for those who suffer from mental health issues. The evaluation will also include physical examination as well as a review of medical history.
Right to Choose is a program of the NHS that allows you to choose the location to which you're assessed. It's available to anyone who is registered with a GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. how much does an adhd assessment cost can request to be recommended to a private company that is partnered with the NHS which offers an ADHD assessment, so long 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 laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). For adults, this may include consideration of comorbid conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and your family history with the consultant. You'll be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems. During this process the expert will evaluate your behavior and how it impacts others like your spouse or your children.
The psychiatrist will consider all the evidence to determine if you fit the ADHD criteria including subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and recommend the best treatment options.
If a psychiatrist recommends a medicine you will be given the prescription to take to any pharmacy of your choice. The cost of prescriptions is intended for administrative use only and do not cover the cost of medications. You'll have to pay separately for the medication. If you require a medication titration, additional appointments could be needed until you're comfortable with the medication.
Once you've received your diagnosis It's crucial to share the results with your GP and anyone else who needs to be aware, like your school or employer. Our specialists can write letters of recommendation for accommodations in your education such as extra time during exams or reduced deadlines.
For some, getting an ADHD diagnosis may be a lengthy process, especially in the event that their GP does not take the diagnosis seriously or doesn't believe they have the symptoms. If this is the case for you, we recommend taking a look at our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and advice on how to get your GP to recommend you to a specialist.
4. Medication
There are many medicines that are approved for use in the UK to treat ADHD. These stimulants include the well-known amphetamine based medication Lisdexamfetamine and the well-known methylphenidate drug Ritalin. It is generally recommended that patients begin with a small amount of medication, and then gradually increased over a number of appointments until the patient reaches an acceptable dosage. This is usually accompanied by regular meetings with psychiatrists to discuss side effects and track progress.
The medications can reduce symptoms of ADHD and reduce the burden they place on families, people and employers. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters that enable brain cells to communicate with one and each other. However, the correct drug can be very individual and determining it may take time. Once a patient is prescribed the correct medication, it's essential to adhere to their treatment plan. Continuing to miss appointments or stop taking their medication can result in symptoms recurring and the medication not working as effectively.
An expert psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment session, but they can refer you to a specialist nurse who will discuss medication options and prescribe, if needed. This could require additional appointment for titration to determine the correct dosage and regular reviews to check the effectiveness of your medication. In general, the NHS will not cover your prescription and therefore it will incur an additional cost for your pharmacy.
Private clinics can also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendations to schools or employers if needed. It can include guidance and advice about medication or any medical concerns between appointments by email or brief phone calls (limited to 20 minutes). The initial ADHD assessment does not include the costs for the titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for years to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessment. In the end, some 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 assessment process 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 lifestyle, and also the symptoms you're experiencing and the impact they have on your daily routine. You might also be asked fill out questionnaires or rate scales to help the doctor evaluate your condition.
After the interview you will receive the report of your specialist that will include a diagnosis of ADHD and treatment recommendations and ongoing support. They will also talk to you about if and how ADHD might be a contributing factor to any health problems or concerns that you have.
There are different types of ADHD and they are all displayed differently in every individual. It is crucial to inform your specialist the symptoms you're experiencing so that they can determine the kind of ADHD. This is why a thorough ADHD assessment is so important and will provide you with the most effective chance of finding the best treatment for your symptoms.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative to the NHS for those who wish to avoid the wait and to speed up their ADHD evaluation. Self-referrals to private mental health professionals permit individuals to get access to specialists with expertise in adult ADHD faster. This procedure usually starts with a first consultation with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD evaluations.