The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you choose to go the NHS method, your evaluation and medication will be covered by the national health care system. However, the NHS typically has lengthy waiting times.
You can also have your ADHD assessment funded privately through 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 work with an experienced psychiatrist to understand your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will be asked questions about your family history and any mental issues you have experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will gather data from a variety sources including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and talk to you, your family or close friends, about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different situations.
Based on your healthcare professional's judgment, it may be necessary for them to determine if your symptoms can be better explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that mimic or coexist alongside ADHD. For example anxiety disorders may manifest similarly to symptoms of ADHD and can have a similar impact on relationships and work. It is therefore crucial to rule out any other disorder that could trigger symptoms of ADHD before moving on to look at medications or other treatments for the disorder.
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 have ADHD symptoms. Your GP must take this seriously and refer you to an assessment. However, waiting times for NHS assessments can be lengthy. If you can't wait, you may choose the private route that is more costly, but has shorter waiting times.
In your appointment, you'll be asked to fill out some questionnaires, and the QbTest (a computerised test that tests the core ADHD symptoms of attention, activity and impulsivity) will be administered. It is important to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, so that you can write down the instances where you have experienced these symptoms in your life. The psychiatrist will then evaluate your answers and determine the next steps are and whether you would like to look into treatment options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are a much faster option than waiting for a NHS appointment. It can also be more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients could range from PS240 to 2500. This includes the assessment as well as a comprehensive diagnosis report and medication costs.
In the UK Adults and children can obtain ADHD assessments through the NHS through an appointment from their doctor. The BBC's investigation has revealed that there are long waiting times to see an expert. One woman in Sheffield for instance is waiting for two years to see a specialist. Suicidal tendencies are among her symptoms, and could indicate that she has undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, patients who suffers from ADHD should be evaluated by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the assessment, a psychiatrist will assess and interview the individual, using questionnaires and observation of their behavior. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on everyday life.
People suffering from ADHD often attempt to manage their symptoms with strategies such as diaries, calendars and post-it notes. However, these methods aren't always successful. These methods can cause confusion and stress, especially in those with mental health issues. The evaluation will include an examination of the body and a review of the medical history.
Right to Choose is a program of the NHS which allows you to choose the location to which you're being referred for an assessment. Anyone who has a GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this scheme. You can request an individual service that is partnered with NHS provide an ADHD assessment. As long as the service is accredited by NHS and isn't charging more than NHS, you can request to be advised.
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). For adults, this involves consideration of comorbid conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
During adhd assessment , you'll discuss with the doctor your current symptoms as well as any family history. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. The expert will evaluate your behavior and how it affects other people like your spouse or your children.
The psychiatrist will consider all of the information to determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and subtypes. Your specialist will then explain their findings and recommend the best course of treatment.
If the psychiatrist suggests medication, a prescription will be provided for you to take to a pharmacy of your preference. The cost of prescriptions is for the administrative process only and don't cover the cost of medicines. You will have to pay for the medication. Additional appointments are possible in the event that you require a titration of your medication.
It's important that you share your diagnosis with your GP and anyone else who may need to be aware of it, such as your school or employer. Our experts can also provide recommendation letters for educational accommodations, such as extra time for exams or shorter deadlines.
For some, getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a lengthy process especially when their GP doesn't take them seriously or doesn't believe they're suffering from the symptoms. If this is you are one of them, you might want to check out our guide on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and suggestions on how to make your GP recommend to 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 begin with a small dose of medication, and then gradually increased over a period of visits until the patient reaches an acceptable dosage. This is usually followed by regular meetings with psychiatrists to discuss any side effects, and monitor progress.
The medications can reduce symptoms of ADHD and ease the burden they impose on families, individuals and employers. They work by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate with each with each other. However, the correct medication can be a bit different for each person and determining it could take time. Once someone is on the correct medication, it is essential to adhere to their treatment program. If they continue to skip appointments or stop taking their medication can cause symptoms to return and the medication not working as effectively.
A qualified psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment session, but they will be able to refer you to a specialist nurse who will discuss your options for medication and prescribe, if needed. This will involve further periodic titration sessions to ensure you are receiving the right dosage, and regular reviews to check the effectiveness of your medication. Most of the time, the NHS will not pay for your prescription and so this would incur an additional cost from your pharmacy.
Private clinics can also charge for follow-up consultations. If required, this may include sending letters of recommendation to employers or schools. Email or brief phone conversations (limited to 20 minutes) can be used to offer advice and guidance on medication or medical questions in between appointments. The initial ADHD assessment is not inclusive of the costs for the titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has struggled for years to meet demands for adult ADHD assessment. As a result, many areas have wait times of up to eight years, as per BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.
The process of assessment is long, but essential for a thorough diagnostic. The psychiatrist who will conduct your examination will be in contact with you about your medical history and lifestyle, as well as your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. You might also be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating scales to help the consultant evaluate your condition.
Following the clinical interview after the clinical interview, you will receive the report of your specialist that will include a diagnosis of ADHD and suggestions for treatment and ongoing support. They will also inform you whether ADHD is a contributing factor to any health problems or issues you might have.
There are various kinds of ADHD and they all present differently in different people. It is essential to tell your doctor about the symptoms that you're experiencing to determine the type of ADHD. This is why a comprehensive ADHD assessment is essential and will give you the best chance of locating the right treatment for your specific symptoms.
Private healthcare providers offer an alternative to an ADHD assessment for those who are able to speed up the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health providers will allow people to connect with experts who are knowledgeable about adult ADHD more quickly. The process typically begins with a consultation with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessment.