The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you opt for the NHS option, your examination and treatment will be covered by the national health care system. However, the NHS typically has long waiting times.
In England there is also the option to have your ADHD assessment privately funded through the 'Right to Choose" option. 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 examination, you will work with a senior psychiatrist to understand your thoughts of presentations, experiences and thoughts. You will be asked questions regarding your family history and any mental health issues you may have encountered in the past. The psychiatrist will collect information using a variety of sources including symptoms checklists, behaviour rating scales, and talk to you, your family members or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect your life in various scenarios.
Based on your doctor's judgment, it may be necessary to determine if your symptoms can be better explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that are similar to or coexist alongside ADHD. For example anxiety disorders often manifest similarly to symptoms of ADHD and can have the same impact on the work environment and relationships. Before deciding on medication or other treatments, it is crucial to eliminate any other conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you decide to use the NHS the first step is to go to your GP to discuss the reasons you believe you suffer from ADHD symptoms. Your GP must consider this an issue that is serious and recommend you to an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be very long. If you can't wait, you can choose the private route that is more costly, but has shorter waiting times.
At the time of your appointment, you will be asked to fill out several questionnaires, and then the QbTest (a computer-generated test that measures core ADHD symptoms of attention, activity, and impulsivity) will be administered. You should be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD so that you can articulate how you experience these characteristics in your daily life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers, and then discuss the next steps. This could include examining different options for treatment.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments are an efficient alternative to waiting for a NHS appointment. However, it can be more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can vary between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, as well as a complete diagnosis report and the cost of medication.
In the UK adults and children can access ADHD assessments through the NHS through an appointment with a doctor. The BBC's investigation reveals that there are lengthy waiting times to consult an expert. For instance, a woman from Sheffield has been waiting for two years. Suicidal thoughts are among her symptoms, and could be a sign that she has undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments state that patients should be seen by a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the examination, a psychiatrist will assess and interview the patient, by using questionnaires and observations of their behavior. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD and the impact it has on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD often use strategies like calendars, diaries and post-it notes to manage their symptoms. However, book adhd assessment aren't always efficient. They could cause more stress and confusion particularly for those already suffering from mental health issues. The evaluation will include an examination of the body and a review of medical history.
The NHS has a scheme called Right to Choose, which lets you choose where you're being referred to for an assessment. Anyone registered with a GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this scheme. You can request to be referred to a private service that is partnered with the NHS that offers an ADHD assessment, as long they're licensed by the NHS and do not 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). Adults can also be evaluated for comorbid disorders like anxiety or depression.
During your appointment, you'll discuss with the consultant your current symptoms as well as any family history. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. During this process, the expert will assess the way your behavior affects others in your life, like your children or spouse.
The psychiatrist will take all the information into account to help determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and its subtypes. Your specialist will then explain their findings and suggest the best method of treatment.
If your doctor recommends a medication you will be issued a prescription to take to any pharmacy of your choosing. Prescription fees are intended for administrative use only and do not 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 needed until you're comfortable with the medication.
It is important to discuss your diagnosis with your GP, as well as anyone else who needs to know about it, such your school or employer. Our specialists can provide letters of recommendation for accommodations in your education like extra time during exams or a reduction in deadlines.
For some, getting an ADHD diagnosis may be a lengthy process especially in the event that their GP doesn't consider them serious or doesn't believe they have the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we recommend taking a look at our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and suggestions on how to get your GP to refer you.
4. Medication
There are many medications that are licensed for use in the UK to treat ADHD. They are usually stimulants, including the well-known methylphenidate medication (Ritalin) and the more recent amphetamine-based medicine, lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). At first, it's recommended that patients start with a low dosage of medication which is then titrated up over several appointments until a patient has stabilized on their dosage. This is often followed by regular meetings with a psychiatrist to discuss the effects of medication and track progress.
Medications can help to alleviate the many symptoms caused by ADHD and reduce the burden they put on individuals, families and workplaces. They help by increasing neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate. Finding the right drug is a personal choice, and can take some time. Once a person has been prescribed the correct medication, it's vital that they remain with the treatment plan. Inability to attend appointments or stop taking their medication can cause symptoms to return and the medication not working as effectively.
A specialist psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment session however, they will be able to refer you to a specialist nurse who will discuss your options for medication and prescribe if necessary. This will require further titration sessions to determine the appropriate dosage and periodic reviews to ensure that the medication is effective. Typically the NHS will not pay for your prescription, so it will incur an additional charge from your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. If required, this may include sending recommendation letters to schools or employers. Short phone calls or emails (limited to 20 min) can be used to provide guidance and advice on medical or medication questions between appointments. The initial ADHD assessment does not include the cost for treatment or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has struggled for years to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessments. According to BBC research, waiting times in many areas can exceed 8 years.
The assessment process may be lengthy however it is essential to get a complete diagnosis. The psychiatrist who conducts your assessment will speak to you about your medical history and your lifestyle, and also the symptoms you're experiencing and their impact on your daily life. You might also be asked complete questionnaires or fill out rating scales to help the doctor determine the severity of your illness.
Following the clinical interview after the clinical interview, you will receive the report of your specialist that will include a diagnosis of ADHD and suggestions for treatment and ongoing support. They will also discuss with you whether ADHD is a factor in any health problems or issues you might have.
There are different kinds of ADHD and they all present differently in each individual. It's important that you tell your specialist the symptoms you're experiencing to determine the kind of ADHD. This is why a thorough ADHD assessment is so important and will give you the most effective chance of finding the best treatment for your specific symptoms.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative to an ADHD assessment for individuals who are in a position to accelerate the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health services will allow people to connect with specialists who specialize in adult ADHD faster. The process typically begins with a consultation with psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessment.