The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health service will provide your medical and assessment should you opt to take the NHS route. However, the NHS generally has long waiting times.
You can also get your ADHD assessment funded privately through the 'Right to choose' pathway in England. The services you choose to use must be relevant to your clinical needs and should not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the evaluation, you'll be paired with a seasoned psychiatrist to understand your thoughts, presentations, and experiences. You will be asked questions regarding your family history and any mental health issues you may have encountered in the past. The psychiatrist will gather data from a variety sources including symptoms checklists, behaviour rating scales and speaking to you, your family or close friends, about how ADHD symptoms impact you in different situations.
Based on more resources , it may be essential to determine if your symptoms can be better explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that are akin to or coexist alongside ADHD. Anxiety disorders, like, can present with symptoms similar to ADHD and can have the same effect on work and relationships. It is therefore crucial to rule out other disorders that may cause symptoms of ADHD before beginning to look into the use of medications or other treatments for the disorder.
The NHS Route
If you choose to go the NHS route, the first step is to see your GP and discuss the reasons you believe you have symptoms of ADHD. Your GP must consider this serious issue and send you for an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be long. If you are unable to wait, you may choose the private route, which is more expensive but has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment, you will be asked to fill in several questionnaires. Then, the QbTest (a computer-based test that measures core ADHD symptoms of activity, attention and impulsivity) will be administered. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, so that you can record the instances where you have experienced them 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 can be more efficient than waiting for an NHS appointment. It's also 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 medication costs.
In the UK adults and children can access ADHD assessments through the NHS through a GP referral. However, the BBC's investigation shows that there are long waits to consult a specialist. For example, one woman in Sheffield has been waiting for two years. Suicidal impulses are among her symptoms, and could be a sign that she is not diagnosed with ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments say that a patient should be evaluated by a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or "other qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the assessment the psychiatrist will examine and interview the person through questionnaires and observation of behaviour. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD and the impact it has on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD typically employ strategies such as diaries, calendars, and post-it note to manage their symptoms. These strategies aren't always effective. They can cause more stress and confusion especially for those already suffering from mental health issues. The assessment will include a physical exam and a review of the medical history.
Right to Choose is a program of the NHS that lets you select where you are being referred for an assessment. This is open to anyone who's registered with a GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can ask to be referred to a private service partnered with the NHS which offers an ADHD assessment, so long as they're licensed by the NHS and don't charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD assessment is typically conducted 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 disorders like anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll talk about your current symptoms and family history with the doctor. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. During this process, an expert will evaluate the way your behavior affects others in your life, including your children or spouse.
The psychiatrist will review all the data to determine if you fit the ADHD criteria including subtypes. Your specialist will explain their findings and then discuss with you the best treatment.
If the psychiatrist recommends medication then a prescription will be provided for you to visit a pharmacy of your preference. Prescription fees are for administrative purposes only and do not cover the cost of medication. You'll have to pay separately for the medication. Additional appointments might be required if you need to titrate your medication.
It's important that you share your diagnosis with your GP and anyone else who might need to be aware of it, like your employer or school. Our experts can provide letters of recommendation for educational accommodations such as extended time during exams, or shorter deadlines.
Some people may find it difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis, particularly if their GP doesn't believe they exhibit the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we recommend reading our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and guidance on how to convince your GP to refer you.
4. Medication
In the UK there are a variety of medications that are approved for treating ADHD. These stimulants include the well-known amphetamine based medication Lisdexamfetamine and the well known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. In the beginning, it is recommended that patients start with a small dose of medication, which is gradually increased over a period of time until a patient is stabilised on their dosage. This is usually followed by regular sessions with psychiatrists to discuss side effects, and monitor the progress.
Medications can help to alleviate the many symptoms caused by ADHD and reduce the burden they place on individuals, families and workplaces. They do this by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters which allow brain cells to communicate with one and each other. Finding the right drug is a personal choice, and can take some time. Once someone is on the correct medication, it is essential that they stick to their treatment plan. If you continue to miss appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms may return and the medication may not work as effectively.
An expert psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment However, they can refer you on to a specialist nurse who will discuss your options for medication and prescribe, if needed. adhd assessments near me may require further titration sessions to determine the appropriate dosage and periodic reviews to ensure that your medication is effective. Most of the time, the NHS will not pay for your prescription and so it will incur an additional cost for your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending letters of recommendation to schools or employers when needed. Short phone calls or emails (limited to 20 min) can be used to offer advice and assistance with medical or medication concerns in between appointments. The initial ADHD assessment is not inclusive of the costs for treatment or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has long struggled to meet demand for adult ADHD tests for adults with ADHD. According to BBC research, waiting times in many areas can exceed 8 years.
The assessment process may be lengthy but it's essential for a thorough diagnosis. The doctor who conducts the assessment will be in contact with you about your lifestyle and medical history, as well as your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems to help the doctor evaluate how you're feeling.
After the interview, your specialist will prepare the report, which will give you a diagnosis and recommendations for ongoing treatment and support in the event that you suffer from ADHD. They will also talk to you about if and how ADHD could be a contributing factor to any health issues or concerns that you may have.
There are several different types of ADHD, and each presents differently for each person. This is why it's important to identify the exact symptoms you're experiencing so that your doctor can identify the right type of ADHD. This is why a comprehensive ADHD assessment is so important and will give you the best chance of locating the right treatment for your symptoms.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative to the NHS for those who want to avoid waiting and want to speed up their ADHD evaluation. Individuals can make a self-referral directly to an individual mental health professional and get faster access to specialists with expertise in adult ADHD. This process often starts with a first consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist experienced in adult ADHD evaluations.