The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you choose to go the NHS route, your assessment and medication will be covered by the national health service. The NHS is notorious for its long waiting times.
You can also obtain your ADHD assessment funded privately through the 'Right to Choose option in England. The services you choose to use must be relevant to the clinical setting and not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the evaluation, you'll collaborate with a psychiatrist who is experienced to understand your thoughts, presentations, and experiences. You will be asked about your family background as well as any mental issues you have faced in the past. The psychiatrist will then collect data from several sources, including symptom checklists and 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 necessary to determine if your symptoms could be more easily explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that are akin to or coexist with ADHD. For example, anxiety disorders can often manifest similarly to symptoms of ADHD and may have the same impact on the work environment 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 decide to go the NHS route, your first step should be to see your GP and discuss the reasons you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP must consider this a serious matter and refer you to an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be very long. If you can't wait, you can choose the private route, which is more expensive but has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment, you will be asked questions and administered the QbTest, a computerised test that tests the primary ADHD symptoms of impulsivity and activity as well as attention. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment so that you are able to write down examples of how you experience these symptoms in your life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers and discuss the next steps. This may include exploring medication options.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are more efficient than waiting for an NHS appointment. It can also be more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients can vary from PS240 to PS2500. 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 a GP referral. However, the BBC's investigation has revealed long waits to see an expert. For instance, a woman from Sheffield has been waiting for over two years. Her symptoms include suicidal impulses which could be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments state that a patient must be seen by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the assessment psychiatrists will interview and examine the individual through questionnaires and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will then evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD often try to manage their symptoms through strategies like diaries calendars, and post-it notes. However, these methods aren't always effective. They can cause more stress and confusion, especially for those who are already suffering from mental health conditions. The assessment will include physical examination and a review medical history.
The NHS has a scheme called Right to Choose, which allows you to choose where you're referred for an assessment. Anyone who has an GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this scheme. You can request an individual service that is affiliated with NHS offer an ADHD assessment. If the service is approved by NHS and does not charge more than NHS and you request to be advised.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD evaluation is usually carried out by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse 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 conditions such as anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll talk about your current symptoms and family history with the consultant. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. The expert will note your behaviour and how it affects other people such as your spouse or your children.
The psychiatrist will take into consideration all of the information to determine if you fit the ADHD criteria including subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and discuss the best treatment options.
If your doctor recommends a medicine you will be given the prescription to take to any pharmacy of your choice. The cost of prescriptions is intended for administrative use only and don't cover the cost of medications. You'll need to pay separately for the medication. If you require an adjustment of your medication, additional appointments could be required until you're stable on the medication.
After you've received your diagnosis It's crucial to communicate the results with your GP and anyone else who should know, such as your school or employer. Our specialists can also provide recommendation letters for accommodations to your education, such as extra time in exams or shortened deadlines.
Some people may be unable to obtain an ADHD diagnosis, especially if their GP does not believe that they have the symptoms. If this is you are one of them, you might want to check out our guide on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and suggestions on how to make your GP refer you for an assessment.
4. Medication
In the UK there are a variety of medications that are approved for treating ADHD. These are typically stimulants, including the well-known methylphenidate medication (Ritalin) and the more recent amphetamine based medicine lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Initially, it is usually advised that patients begin with a low dose of medication which is then gradually increased over a number of appointments until a patient is stabilized on their dosage. This is usually followed by regular meetings with psychiatrists, to discuss side effects, and monitor progress.
The use of medication can ease the symptoms caused by ADHD and reduce the burden they place on individuals, families and workplaces. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters which allow brain cells to communicate with one and each other. However, the right drug can be very individual and finding it can take time. Once a person has been prescribed the correct medication, it is essential that they stick to their treatment program. If you continue to fail to attend appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms may be recurrent and the medication may not be effective.
A psychiatrist expert will not prescribe medication in the assessment session. However, they can refer you to an expert who will go over your medication options with you and prescribe, if needed. This may require further appointment for titration to determine the right dose and regular reviews to monitor the effectiveness of your medication. In general the NHS will not cover your prescription and therefore it will incur an additional cost from your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. If needed, this could include sending recommendation letters to schools or employers. Brief phone conversations or email (limited to 20 min) can be used to offer guidance and advice 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 struggled for years to meet demand for adult ADHD assessment. According to BBC research, waiting times in many areas can exceed 8 years.
The process of assessing you can be long however it is essential for a thorough diagnosis. The doctor who conducts your assessment will talk to you about your lifestyle and medical history and also your symptoms and their impact on your life. You might also be asked to complete questionnaires or fill out rating scales to help the doctor assess your condition.
After the interview, your doctor will prepare an assessment report that will give you an assessment and recommendations for ongoing treatment and support for ADHD. They will also speak to you about whether and how ADHD could be a contributing factor to any health issues or concerns that you face.
There are adhd assessment cheap of ADHD and each one manifests differently in every individual. This is why it's important to identify the specific symptoms you are experiencing so that your specialist will be able to determine the appropriate kind of ADHD. This is the reason a thorough ADHD assessment is crucial and will provide you with the most effective chance of finding the best treatment for your issues.
Private healthcare providers offer an alternative to the NHS for those who want to avoid the wait and to accelerate their ADHD evaluation. Self-referrals to private mental health services will allow people to connect with specialists with expertise in adult ADHD quicker. The process usually begins with an initial consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist with experience in adult ADHD assessments.