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 long waiting times.
You can also obtain your ADHD assessment funded privately through the 'Right to Choose option in England. However the services you select must be appropriate for your needs and not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment, you will work with a psychiatrist of senior level to fully comprehend your thoughts of presentations, experiences and thoughts. You will be asked questions regarding your family history as well as any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will then collect information from a number of sources, including symptom checklists and scales for assessing behavior, as well as talking with you and your relatives or close friends about how ADHD symptoms can affect you in various settings.
Depending on the medical expert's judgment, it could be necessary to evaluate whether or not your symptoms could be better explained by other medical or psychiatric conditions that mimic or coexist with ADHD. For example anxiety disorders may present similarly to symptoms of ADHD and can affect work and relationships. Before deciding on medication or other treatments, it is important to eliminate any other conditions that could trigger symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you choose to utilize the NHS the first step is to go to your GP to explain the reason you think you may have ADHD symptoms. Your GP should treat this as serious issue and send you for an assessment. The NHS assessment wait times can be lengthy. If you are unable to wait, you may choose the private route which is more expensive but has shorter waiting times.
In your appointment, you'll be asked to fill in several questionnaires. Then, 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 traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment so that you can record examples of how you experience them in your life. The psychiatrist will then assess your answers and discuss the next steps should be and whether you would like to consider pursuing the possibility of medication.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is an option that is much faster than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it can be more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment as well as a full diagnosis report and medication costs.
In the UK children and adults can get ADHD assessments on the NHS through an appointment with a doctor. However, a BBC investigation shows that there are long wait times to consult specialists. One woman from Sheffield, for example has waited for two years for a specialist. Her symptoms include suicidal tendencies which could be an indication of undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, a patient with ADHD is assessed by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the assessment psychiatrists will interview and examine the patient with questionnaires and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will then evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on everyday life.
People suffering from ADHD frequently employ strategies such as diaries, calendars and post-it notes to manage their symptoms. These strategies aren't always efficient. They can lead to confusion and stress, especially in those with mental health issues. The assessment will also include physical examination as well as an examination of medical history.
Right to Choose is a scheme of the NHS that allows you to choose where you're referred for assessment. This is open to anyone 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 offers an ADHD assessment, as long they're licensed by the NHS and don't charge more than the NHS.
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). Adults may also be assessed for comorbid disorders like depression or anxiety.
During your appointment, you will discuss with the doctor your current symptoms as well as any family history. You'll be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems. During this process the expert will observe your behavior and how it impacts others, such as your partner or your children.
The specialist will take all of the information into account to determine whether you meet the requirements for ADHD and its subtypes. Your specialist will explain their findings and then discuss with you the best treatment.
If the psychiatrist suggests a medication you will be issued an order to take it to any pharmacy of your choice. Prescription fees are for administrative purposes only and do not cover the cost of medicines. You'll have to pay separately for the medication. If you need an titration of your medication, further appointments may be required until you're stable with the medication.
It's important that you share your diagnosis with your GP as well as anyone else who needs to be aware of it, such as your school or employer. Our experts can also provide recommendation letters for accommodations to your education for students, such as additional time in exams or shortened deadlines.
Some people might have difficulty obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, particularly in cases where their GP isn't convinced that they have the symptoms. If adhd assessment uk online is the case for you, we suggest taking a look at our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and guidance on how you can get your GP to send you.
4. Medication
There are a number of medicines that are approved to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. These stimulants include the well-known amphetamine-based medicine lisdexamfetamine, and the well known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. It is generally recommended that patients start with a small dose of medication, which is then gradually increased over a period of appointments until the patient has reached an appropriate dosage. This is often accompanied with regular meetings with psychiatrists, to discuss side effects, and monitor progress.
Medicines can ease the many symptoms caused by ADHD and reduce the burden they place on families, individuals and workplaces. They help by increasing neurotransmitters that enable brain cells to communicate. Finding the right medication is a personal choice and takes some time. When someone is prescribed the correct medication, it's important to stick with their treatment regimen. If you continue to miss appointments or stop taking your medication, the symptoms can come back and the medication might not work as effectively.
A psychiatrist expert is not able to prescribe medication during the assessment session. However, they will refer you to an expert who will discuss your options for medication with you and prescribe if necessary. This will require further titration sessions to determine the appropriate dosage, and regular checks to make sure that your medication is effective. The NHS typically does not pay for prescriptions, which means you'll have to pay an additional fee at your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. If needed, this could include sending recommendation letters to schools or employers. Short phone calls or emails (limited to 20 minutes) can be used to give advice and guidance on medical or medication concerns 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 been struggling for years to meet demand for adult ADHD assessment. According to BBC research waiting times in a variety of areas could be as long as 8 years.
The assessment process may be lengthy, but it's vital for a thorough diagnosis. The psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will speak to you about your medical history and lifestyle and also the symptoms that you are experiencing and how they affect your daily routine. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems to help the doctor assess how you are feeling.
Following the clinical interview, your doctor will put together the report, which will give you an assessment and recommendations for ongoing treatment and support if you have ADHD. They will also inform you if ADHD is a factor in any health problems or issues you might have.
There are a variety of types of ADHD, and each presents differently for each person. This is why it's essential to know the exact symptoms you're experiencing so that your specialist can determine the correct kind of ADHD. A comprehensive ADHD assessment will assist you in finding the appropriate treatment.
Private healthcare providers are an alternative to the NHS for those who wish to avoid the wait and to accelerate their ADHD assessment. Self-referrals to private mental health professionals can allow individuals to access experts who are knowledgeable about adult ADHD more quickly. The process typically starts with a meeting with psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessment.