The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you go through the NHS route, your assessment and medication will be covered by the national health service. The NHS is notorious for its long waiting times.
In England there is also the option to obtain your ADHD evaluation funded privately through the "Right to choose" route. However the services you choose must be suitable for your clinical needs and must not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the evaluation, you'll be paired with a seasoned psychiatrist to help you understand your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will be asked about your family history and any mental issues you've experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will gather data from several sources, including symptom checklists and scales for assessing behavior, as well as talking to you and your family members or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different settings.
Depending on your healthcare professional's judgement, it could be necessary for them to determine if your symptoms are more easily explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that are akin to or coexist with ADHD. Anxiety disorders, for instance are often associated with symptoms similar to ADHD and can have a similar effect on work and relationships. Before considering any medication or other treatments, it is essential to rule out any other disorders that could trigger symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you choose to go the NHS route, your first step should be to visit your GP and provide the reason why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should be aware of this and refer you to an assessment. However waiting times for NHS assessments can be long. If you are unable to wait, you may choose the private route, which is more expensive but has shorter waiting times.
At the time of your appointment, you'll be asked to fill out several questionnaires. Then, the QbTest (a computer-generated test that measures core ADHD symptoms of activity, attention and impulsivity) will be administered. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, so that you are able to write down examples of how you experience them in your life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers, and then discuss the next steps. This could include looking into different options for treatment.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is an option that is quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment. It can also be more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can vary between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, a comprehensive diagnostic report and medication costs.
In the UK Adults and children can get ADHD assessments through the NHS with a referral from their GP. However, a BBC investigation has revealed that there are long waits to consult specialists. cost of adhd assessment uk in Sheffield for instance, has been waiting two years for a specialist. The symptoms she has are suicidal thoughts that could be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments say that a patient should be seen by a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or "other qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the assessment, a psychiatrist will examine and interview the patient, through questionnaires and observation of behavior. The psychiatrist will then evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD often use strategies like calendars, diaries and post-it notes to manage their symptoms. These strategies aren't always effective. They could cause more stress and confusion especially for those who are already suffering from mental health conditions. The examination will also consist of physical examination as well as an examination of medical history.
The NHS has a scheme known as Right to Choose, which allows you to select the location to which you're referred for an assessment. This is available to everyone who's registered with a GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can request to be recommended to a private company that is partnered with the NHS that can provide an ADHD assessment, so long they're licensed by the NHS and do not charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD assessment is typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist and follows the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). For adults, this may include the assessment of comorbid disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
During your appointment, you'll discuss with the consultant your current symptoms and any family history. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. During this process, the expert will note how your behaviour impacts others in your life, like your children or spouse.
The specialist will take all of the information into account to determine if you meet the criteria for ADHD, including its subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and suggest the best method of treatment.
If the psychiatrist recommends a medication you will be given a prescription to take to any pharmacy of your choice. The prescription fees cover the administration process and do not include the cost of the medications that you need to pay separately. If you require an adjustment of your medication, additional appointments may be needed until you're comfortable with the medication.
Once you've been diagnosed, it's important to share the results with your GP and anyone else you need to know, such as your school or employer. Our specialists can also provide recommendations for educational accommodations for students, such as additional time for exams or shorter deadlines.
Certain people may be unable to obtain an ADHD diagnosis, particularly when their GP does not believe that they exhibit the symptoms. If this is the case then you should read our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and suggestions on how to make your GP refer to you.
4. Medication
There are a variety of medications that are licensed to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. These are often stimulants and include the well-known methylphenidate medication (Ritalin) and the more recent amphetamine based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). It is generally recommended that patients start with a small dose of medication, which is gradually increased over a series of visits until the patient has reached an acceptable dosage. This is usually followed by regular sessions with psychiatrists, to discuss side effects, and to monitor the progress.
The medication can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and reduce the burden they impose on people, families and employers. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters which enable brain cells to communicate with each other. Finding the right medication is very individual, and can take some time. Once a person is on the right medication, it is crucial to adhere to the treatment program. If you continue to miss appointments or stop taking your medication, the symptoms may come back and the medication might not be as effective.
A qualified psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment however, they can refer you on to a specialist nurse who can discuss the options for medication and prescribe, if needed. This may require further titration sessions to determine the correct dosage and periodic reviews to ensure that the medication is working. The NHS does not usually pay for prescriptions, so you'll need to pay extra at your pharmacy.
Private clinics can also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending letters of recommendation to schools or employers when needed. Email or brief phone conversations (limited to 20 minutes) can be used to provide advice and assistance with medical or medication concerns in between appointments. However, the cost of titration and follow-up are not included in an initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has struggled for years to meet demands for adult ADHD assessment. In the end, some areas are experiencing wait times of up to eight years, according to 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 doctor who conducts the assessment will be in contact with you about your lifestyle and medical history as well as your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the doctor evaluate how you're feeling.
After the interview, your doctor will write a report that will give you the diagnosis and suggestions for ongoing treatment and support in the event that you suffer from ADHD. They will also talk with you whether ADHD is a contributing factor to any health problems or issues you might have.
There are several different types of ADHD and each one manifests differently for every person. It is essential to tell your doctor about the symptoms that you're experiencing so that they can determine the type of ADHD. A comprehensive ADHD assessment will assist you in finding the right treatment.
Private healthcare providers offer an alternative to an ADHD assessment for those who are able to accelerate the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health professionals will allow people to connect with specialists with expertise in adult ADHD faster. This procedure usually begins with an initial consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessments.