The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health service will cover your medication and assessment if you choose to go the NHS route. However the NHS typically has lengthy waiting times.
You can also have your ADHD assessment privately funded by the 'Right to choose route in England. However, the services you can choose must be suitable for your clinical needs and not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the examination, you will work with a psychiatrist who is senior to fully understand your thoughts of presentations, experiences and thoughts. You will be asked about your family background as well as any mental issues you have had in the past. The psychiatrist will gather information using a variety of sources including symptoms checklists, behavior rating scales, and talk to you, your family or close friends about how ADHD symptoms impact you in various situations.
Depending on the medical professional's judgement, it may be necessary to determine whether or not your symptoms can be explained more effectively by other psychiatric or medical conditions that mimic or coexist with ADHD. For instance anxiety disorders often be similar to symptoms of ADHD and can have a similar impact on work and relationships. Before considering medication or other treatments, it is important to rule out any other disorders that could cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you choose to utilize the NHS the first step is to visit your GP to discuss the reasons you believe you suffer from ADHD symptoms. Your GP should be aware of this and refer you to an assessment. However waiting times for NHS assessments can be very long. If you cannot wait, you can opt for the private route which is more expensive however has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment, you'll be asked to fill out several questionnaires, and then the QbTest (a computerised test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of attention, activity and impulsivity) will be administered. It is important to familiarise yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment so that you can record instances of how you have experienced them in your daily life. The psychiatrist will then assess your answers and determine the next steps to take including if you'd like to look into medication options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are more efficient than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it's more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients can range from PS240-PS2500. This includes the assessment, a comprehensive diagnostic report and medications.
In the UK children and adults are able to access ADHD assessments through the NHS through a GP referral. However, affordable adhd assessment has revealed long waits to see an expert. One woman from Sheffield for instance has waited for two years to see a specialist. Suicidal thoughts are among her symptoms, which could be a sign that she has undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments state that patients should be seen by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the assessment, a psychiatrist will examine and interview the person through questionnaires and observation of behaviour. The psychiatrist will then evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their effects on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD typically employ strategies such as calendars, diaries and post-it notes to manage their symptoms. These strategies aren't always effective. They could cause more stress and confusion particularly for those already struggling with mental health issues. The assessment will also include a physical examination and a review of medical history.
The NHS offers a program called Right to Choose, which allows you to choose the location to which you're referred for an assessment. It's available to anyone who's registered with a GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can request a private service that is affiliated with NHS offer an ADHD assessment. If the service is approved by NHS and doesn't charge higher than NHS and you request to be recommended.
3. Diagnosis
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist typically conducts an ADHD assessment, based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). Adults may also be screened for comorbid disorders like anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and family background with the physician. You'll be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems. In this process, the expert will evaluate your behavior and how it affects other people, such as your partner or your children.
The doctor will take all information into consideration to help determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and its subtypes. Your specialist will then explain their findings and discuss the best treatment options.
If the psychiatrist recommends a medicine you will be issued the prescription to take to any pharmacy of your choice. Prescription fees cover the administrative process but do not include the cost of the medications that you have to pay separately. If you require an adjustment of your medication, additional appointments could be required until you're stable on the medication.
Once you've received your diagnosis, it's important to share the results with your GP and anyone else who should be aware, like your school or employer. Our specialists can also write recommendation letters for educational accommodations, such as extra time in exams or reduced deadlines.
Some people may be unable to obtain an ADHD diagnosis, especially when their GP isn't convinced that they have the symptoms. If you're one of them, you may want to check out our guide on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and suggestions on how to make your GP to refer to you.
4. Medication
In the UK there are a variety of medications that are approved for treating ADHD. They are usually stimulants, and include the well-known methylphenidate drug (Ritalin) and the newest amphetamine-based medicine, lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Initially, it is usually advised that patients begin with a low dose of medication that is gradually increased over a number of appointments until a patient has stabilized on their dosage. This is often followed by regular meetings with a psychiatrist to discuss the effects of medication and track progress.
The use of medication can ease many symptoms that are caused by ADHD and lessen the burden that they place on families, individuals and workplaces. They work by increasing neurotransmitters, which allow brain cells to communicate. But, the best medication can be a bit different for each person and finding it can take time. When someone is prescribed the correct medication, it's essential to stick with the treatment regimen. Continuing to miss appointments or discontinuing their medication could lead to symptoms returning and the medication not working as well.
A specialist psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment, but they can refer you on to an expert nurse who will discuss medication options and prescribe if necessary. This will involve further periodic titration sessions to ensure you are receiving the right dose and regular reviews to monitor the effectiveness of your medication. Typically you will find that the NHS does not cover your prescription, so this would incur an additional cost from your pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendation letters to employers or schools in the event that they are required. Email or brief phone conversations (limited to 20 minutes) can be used to give advice and assistance with medication or medical questions in between appointments. However, the costs of monitoring and titration are not included in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for years to meet the demands for adult ADHD assessment. According to BBC research waiting times in many areas can exceed 8 years.
The process of assessment is long, but essential for a thorough diagnostic. The psychiatrist who will conduct the assessment will spend time talking to you about your lifestyle and medical history, as well as your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. You might also be asked complete questionnaires or fill out rating scales that will help the specialist assess your condition.
Following the clinical interview, you will receive an evaluation from your doctor that will include an assessment of ADHD and recommendations for treatment and ongoing support. They will also talk with you if ADHD is a contributing factor to any health problems or issues you might have.
There are various kinds of ADHD and they appear differently in different people. This is why it's crucial to identify the exact symptoms you're experiencing so that your physician can identify the right kind of ADHD. A thorough ADHD assessment can help you determine the best treatment.
Private healthcare providers offer an alternative to the NHS for those who wish to avoid waiting and want to accelerate their ADHD assessment. Self-referrals to private mental health providers can allow individuals to access specialists who specialize in adult ADHD more quickly. This procedure usually begins with an initial consultation with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist experienced in adult ADHD assessments.