The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health system will cover your medication and assessment should you opt to take the NHS route. However the NHS generally has long 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 your clinical needs and should not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will work with a psychiatrist who is senior to understand your thoughts presentation, experiences and experience. You will be asked questions about your family history and any mental health issues you may have had in the past. The psychiatrist will gather information from a number of sources including symptom checklists, as well as scales of behavior rating and will also talk with you and your relatives or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different environments.
Based on your healthcare professional's judgment, it may be essential to determine if your symptoms could be more easily explained by medical or psychiatric disorders that are akin to or coexist alongside ADHD. Anxiety disorders, for example may present with symptoms similar to ADHD and have an impact similar to ADHD on relationships and work. Before considering 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 utilize the NHS the first step is to go to your GP to explain why you believe you have ADHD symptoms. Your GP should be aware of this and refer you to an assessment. The NHS assessment wait times can be lengthy. If you're not able to wait, you may choose the private route which can be more expensive but provides shorter wait times.
During your appointment, you will be asked some questions and administered the QbTest, a computerised test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity and attention. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment so that you are able to 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 to take including if you'd like to look into treatment options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are an efficient alternative to waiting for a NHS appointment. However, it can be more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients could range from PS240 to 2500. This includes the assessment, a comprehensive diagnostic report and medications.
In the UK, children and adults are able to access ADHD assessments on the NHS through an appointment with a doctor. However, a BBC investigation has revealed that there are long wait times to visit specialists. For instance, a woman in Sheffield has been waiting for over two years. The symptoms she has are suicidal thoughts that could be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments say that patients should be seen by a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the assessment psychiatrists will interview and examine the patient with questionnaires and observe their behaviour. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD and the impact it has on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD tend to manage their symptoms using strategies like diaries calendars and post-it notes. But, these strategies aren't always effective. They could cause more stress and confusion especially for those already suffering from mental health conditions. The examination will consist of a physical exam and a review of medical history.
Right to Choose is a scheme offered by the NHS which allows you to select where you are referred for 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 that is partnered with the NHS which offers an ADHD assessment, so long as they're licensed by the NHS and don't charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse typically conducts an ADHD assessment, based on the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). Adults can also be evaluated for comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety.
During the appointment, you'll talk about your current symptoms and your family background with the physician. adhd assessments 'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. During this process, an expert will evaluate how your behavior impacts other people in your life, like your spouse or children.
The psychiatrist will review all the evidence to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria and subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and discuss the best treatment options.
If the psychiatrist recommends a medication, you will receive the prescription to take to any pharmacy of your choosing. The cost of prescriptions is intended for administrative use only and don't cover the cost of medication. You'll have to pay separately for the medication. Additional appointments are possible if you need to titrate your medication.
It is essential to share your diagnosis with your GP, as well as anyone else who needs to be aware of it, like your school or employer. Our specialists can also write recommendations for educational accommodations for students, such as additional time in exams or reduced deadlines.
Certain people may find it difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis, especially if their GP doesn't believe they exhibit the symptoms. If this is you then you should read our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and advice about how to get your GP to refer you.
4. Medication
There are a number of medicines that are approved to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. These are typically stimulants, and include the well-known methylphenidate medication (Ritalin) and the more recent amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). It is typical to suggest that patients begin with a small dose of medication, which is gradually increased over a number of visits until the patient has reached a stable dosage. This is often accompanied by regular meetings with a psychiatrist to discuss the effects of medication and track progress.
The medications can lessen symptoms of ADHD and ease the burden they impose on families, people and employers. They do this by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate with each other. But, the best drug can be very individual and determining it could take time. Once a person has been prescribed the correct medication, it's vital to adhere to their treatment program. Inability to attend appointments or stopping taking their medication could lead to symptoms returning and the medication not working as well.
A specialist psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment session However, they can refer you to a specialist nurse who can discuss medication options and prescribe if appropriate. This will require further titration sessions to determine the correct dose and regular reviews to ensure that the medication is working. The NHS generally does not cover prescriptions, so you will have to pay extra at your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending letters of recommendation to employers or schools when needed. It can include advice and direction about medication or any medical concerns that arise between appointments through emails or phone calls (limited to 20 minutes). However, the cost of monitoring and titration are not included in an initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for years to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessment. According to BBC research waiting times in many areas can be as long as 8 years.
The assessment process can be long but it's essential for a thorough diagnosis. The psychiatrist who will conduct your assessment will talk to you about your medical history and lifestyle, as well as your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires or fill out rating scales that will help the specialist determine the severity of your illness.
After the clinical interview after the clinical interview, you will receive a report from your specialist that will include the diagnosis of ADHD and treatment recommendations and ongoing support. They will also inform you about whether or how ADHD might be a factor in any health concerns or issues that you may have.
There are different types of ADHD and they are all displayed differently in different people. It is essential to tell your doctor about the symptoms that you're experiencing to determine the type of ADHD. A thorough ADHD assessment will help you find the best treatment.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative method of ADHD assessment for individuals who are in a position to speed up the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Individuals can make a self-referral directly to an individual mental health professional, and this can provide quicker access to specialists with experience in adult ADHD. The process usually begins with a consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist with experience in adult ADHD evaluations.