The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health service will provide your medical and assessment if you choose to go the NHS route. The NHS is known for its lengthy waiting times.
You can also obtain your ADHD assessment privately funded through the 'Right of Choice' pathway in England. The services you choose to use must be clinically relevant and not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment, you will work with a senior psychiatrist to fully understand your thoughts of presentations, experiences and thoughts. You will be asked questions about your family background and any mental issues you have experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will then gather information from various 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 affect you in different environments.
Depending on the medical expert's judgment, it could be necessary to determine whether or not your symptoms could be explained more effectively by other psychiatric or medical disorders that coexist with ADHD. Anxiety disorders, like, can present with symptoms that are similar to ADHD and have an impact similar to ADHD on work and relationships. It is therefore crucial to rule out any other disorder that can cause symptoms of ADHD before beginning to consider treatment options or medications for the disorder.
The NHS Route
If you choose to go the NHS option, the first step is to visit your GP and provide the reason why you believe you have symptoms of ADHD. Your GP should be aware of this and refer you for an assessment. The NHS assessment wait times can be lengthy. If you're unable to wait, you may take the private route instead, which can be more expensive but offers shorter wait times.
During your appointment, you'll be asked to complete several questionnaires, and then the QbTest (a computerised test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of attention, activity and impulsivity) will be administered. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the signs (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 assess your answers and discuss the next steps. This could include examining different options for treatment.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is an option that can be much quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it can be more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment could range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, a full diagnosis report, and the cost of medication.
In the UK, adults and children can access ADHD assessments on the NHS through an appointment with a doctor. However, the BBC's investigation has revealed that there are long wait times to see an expert. For instance, a woman from Sheffield has been waiting for over two years. Suicidal impulses are among her symptoms, which could indicate that she may not be diagnosed with ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments say that a patient must be examined by a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the examination the psychiatrist will examine and interview the patient, through questionnaires and observation of their behavior. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD often try to manage their symptoms through strategies such as diaries, calendars, and post-it notes. But, these strategies aren't always successful. They can lead to anxiety and confusion, especially in people with mental health issues. The assessment will also include a physical examination and a review of medical background.
Right to Choose is a scheme offered by the NHS which allows you to choose where you're being referred for an assessment. This is open to anyone who's registered with a GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can request to be referred to a private service that is partnered with the NHS which offers an ADHD assessment, so long that they're licensed by NHS and don't charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD evaluation is usually carried out 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 the appointment, you'll talk about your current symptoms and family history with the consultant. You'll be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems. During this process the expert will note your behaviour and how it affects other people such as your spouse or your children.
The specialist will take all of the information into account to help determine if you meet the criteria for ADHD as well as its subtypes. Your specialist will explain their findings and will discuss with you the best course of action.
If the psychiatrist suggests medication then a prescription will be provided for you to visit a pharmacy of your preference. The prescription fees are for the administrative process only and don't cover the cost of medications. You will have to pay separately for the medication. If you need a medication titration, additional appointments may be required until you're stable with the medication.
Once you've received your diagnosis, it's important to share the results with your GP and anyone else who should know, such as your employer or school. Our specialists can provide letters of recommendation for educational accommodations like extended time during exams, or reduced deadlines.
Certain people may find it difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis, particularly when their GP doesn't believe they have the symptoms. If this is the case for you, we suggest reading our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and guidance on how to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist.
4. Medication
There are many medicines that are approved for use in the UK to treat ADHD. These are typically stimulants, including the well-known methylphenidate drug (Ritalin) and the newest amphetamine-based medicine lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). In the beginning, it is recommended that patients start with a low dosage of medication, which is gradually increased over a period of time until a patient has stabilized on their dosage. This is usually accompanied by regular sessions with psychiatrists to discuss side effects and track the progress.
The medications can reduce the symptoms of ADHD and reduce the burden they put on people, families and employers. They work by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate with each and each other. Finding the right medication is a personal choice and takes some time. When someone is prescribed the correct medication, it's essential to stick to the treatment program. If you continue to miss appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms may be recurrent and the medication may not be as effective.
A qualified psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment session however, they will be able to refer you on to a specialist nurse who can discuss medication options and prescribe if appropriate. This will require further titration sessions to determine the right dosage, and regular checks to make sure that your medication is working. Most of the time, the NHS will not cover your prescription, so it will incur an additional cost for your pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendation letters to employers or schools in the event that they are required. Short phone calls or emails (limited to 20 minutes) can be used to offer guidance and advice on medication or medical questions in between appointments. However, the costs of the titration process and follow-up appointments are not included in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
how do i get an adhd assessment has struggled for years to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessments. According to BBC research waiting times in many areas could be as long as 8 years.
The assessment process may be lengthy but it's essential to have a clear diagnosis. The psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will talk to you about your medical history and your lifestyle, as well as the symptoms that you are experiencing 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 assess your condition.
Following the clinical interview after the clinical interview, you will receive an evaluation from your doctor that will include the diagnosis of ADHD and treatment recommendations and ongoing support. They will also talk to you about whether and how ADHD could be a contributing factor to any health issues or concerns that you have.
There are many different kinds of ADHD and each one manifests differently in every individual. It is crucial to inform your specialist the symptoms you're experiencing so they can determine the type of ADHD. A thorough ADHD assessment will help you find the appropriate treatment.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative method of ADHD assessment for those who are able to accelerate the process and avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health providers permit individuals to get access to specialists with expertise in adult ADHD faster. This process usually begins with a consultation with psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessment.