The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health service will cover your medication and assessment when you decide to take the NHS route. However, the NHS generally has long waiting times.
You can also have your ADHD assessment funded privately through the 'Right to choose option in England. However, the services you can select must be appropriate for your needs and must not cost more than an NHS one.
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 background as well as any mental issues you have had in the past. The psychiatrist will then gather information from various sources, including symptom checklists and scales for assessing behavior and will also talk with you and your relatives or close friends about how ADHD symptoms can affect you in various settings.
Depending on the healthcare professional's judgement, it may be necessary to assess whether or not your symptoms may be explained more effectively by other psychiatric or medical conditions that are similar or coexist with ADHD. For example, anxiety disorders can often be similar to symptoms of ADHD and can have a similar impact on the work environment and relationships. Before considering medication or other treatments, it is important to rule out any other disorders that may cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you decide to use the NHS, your first step is to visit your GP to explain why you believe you have ADHD symptoms. Your GP must take this seriously and refer you for an assessment. However, waiting times for NHS assessments can be long. If you are unable to wait, you can take the private route which can be more expensive, but has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment, you will be asked questions and then administered the QbTest, a computerised test which measures the core ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity and attention. You should familiarise yourselves with the symptoms of ADHD so that you can articulate how you experience these traits in your everyday life. The psychiatrist will then evaluate your answers and determine the next steps should be including if you'd like to explore medication options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are more efficient than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it is also 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 full diagnosis report and the cost of medication.
In the UK adults and children can access ADHD assessments on the NHS through a GP referral. However, the BBC's investigation has revealed that there are long waits to consult specialists. One woman in Sheffield, for example, has been waiting two years. Suicidal tendencies are among her symptoms, and could be a sign that she may not be diagnosed with ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, a patient who suffers from ADHD should be assessed by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). In the course of the assessment, psychiatrists will interview and examine the individual using questionnaires, and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on everyday life.
People with ADHD tend to manage their symptoms through strategies like diaries, calendars and post-it notepads. These strategies are not always effective. These methods can create anxiety and confusion, particularly for those who suffer from mental health issues. The evaluation will also include an examination of the body and a review of medical background.
The NHS has a scheme called Right to Choose, which allows you to choose where you're being referred to 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 partnered with NHS provide an ADHD assessment. As like it as the service is approved by NHS and doesn't charge higher than NHS and you request to be advised.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD assessment is typically conducted by psychiatrists or specialist nurses and follows the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Adults can also be evaluated for comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression.
During your appointment, you'll discuss with your doctor your current symptoms as well as any family history. You'll be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems. In this process, the expert will observe your behavior and how it impacts others such as your spouse or your children.
The psychiatrist will take into consideration all the evidence to determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and subtypes. The specialist will discuss their findings and will discuss with you the best approach to treat it.
If the psychiatrist recommends medication then a prescription will be issued for you to take to a pharmacist of your preference. The prescription fees are intended for administrative use only and don't cover the cost of medicines. You'll need to pay for the medication. If you require a medication titration, additional appointments may be needed until you're comfortable with the medication.
After you've received your diagnosis It's crucial to communicate the results with your GP and anyone else who needs to be aware, like your school or employer. Our experts can provide letters of recommendation to request educational accommodations such as extended time during exams, or reduced deadlines.
Some people might have difficulty obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, especially in cases where their GP isn't convinced that they are suffering from the symptoms. If you're one of them are one of them, you might want to go through our article on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and suggestions on how to make your GP to refer you.
4. Medication
In the UK, a number medications are approved for treating ADHD. These stimulants include the well-known amphetamine based medication lisdexamfetamine, and the well-known methylphenidate drug Ritalin. It is common to recommend that patients begin with a small amount of medication, which is then gradually increased over a period of appointments until the patient has reached an acceptable dosage. This is often accompanied by regular appointments with a psychiatrist to discuss the effects of medication and track the progress.
The medications can reduce symptoms of ADHD and reduce the burden they put on families, individuals and employers. They do this by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate with one and each other. Finding the right drug is very individual, and can take some time. Once a person has been prescribed the correct medication, it is essential that they remain with their treatment regimen. If you continue to miss appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms could return and the medication may not be effective.
A specialist psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment However, they can refer you on to a specialist nurse who can discuss medication options and prescribe if necessary. This could require additional periodic titration sessions to ensure you are receiving the correct dosage and regular reviews to check the effectiveness of your medication. The NHS generally does not pay for prescriptions, so you'll need to pay a premium at the pharmacy.
Private clinics can also charge for follow-up consultations. If required, this may include sending letters of recommendation to employers or schools. It could also include advice and guidance on medication or medical concerns that arise between appointments through telephone calls or email (limited to 20 minutes). However, the cost of titration and follow-up are not covered in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for a long time to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessments. According to BBC research waiting times in a variety of areas can be as long as 8 years.
The assessment process is lengthy, but essential to provide 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 how they affect your daily routine. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems to help the psychiatrist determine how you feel.
After the interview, your doctor will prepare an assessment report that will give you a diagnosis and recommendations for ongoing treatment and support for ADHD. They will also discuss with you whether ADHD is a contributing factor to any health issues or concerns you might have.
There are several different types of ADHD and each manifests differently for every person. This is why it's important to know the exact symptoms you're experiencing so that your physician will be able to determine the appropriate kind of ADHD. This is the reason a thorough ADHD assessment is essential and will give you the best chance of finding the right treatment for your specific symptoms.
Private healthcare providers can provide an alternative route to an ADHD assessment for individuals 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 specialists who specialize in adult ADHD quicker. This process often begins with a consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist experienced in adult ADHD assessments.