The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you go through the NHS option, your examination and treatment will be covered by the national health service. However, the NHS generally has long waiting times.
You can also have your ADHD assessment funded privately through the 'Right to Choose' pathway in England. However the services you choose must be clinically appropriate and not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the examination you will work with a psychiatrist who is senior to understand your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will be asked questions about your family history as well as any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will collect information using a variety of sources like symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and talk to you, your family members or close friends about how ADHD symptoms impact you in different situations.
Based on your doctor's judgement, it could be important for them to determine if your symptoms are better explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that are similar to or coexist alongside ADHD. For example anxiety disorders may present similarly to symptoms of ADHD and can have the same impact on work and relationships. Before deciding on medication or other treatments, it is crucial to determine if there are any other disorders that could cause symptoms of ADHD.
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 are suffering from ADHD. Your GP should treat this as serious issue and refer you to an assessment. However waiting times for NHS assessments 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 some questions and then administered the QbTest which is a computer-based test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of impulsivity and activity as well as attention. It is important to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to describe how you experience these traits in your everyday life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers and discuss the next steps. This could include examining the options for medication.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is a possibility that is much faster than waiting for an NHS appointment. It can also be more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, a full diagnosis report, and the cost of medication.
In the UK children and adults are able to access ADHD assessments on the NHS through an appointment with a doctor. However, a BBC investigation has revealed long waits to consult an expert. For example, one woman in Sheffield has been waiting for over two years. Suicidal thoughts are among her symptoms, and could be a sign that she is not diagnosed with ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments state that a patient must be examined by a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or "other qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the assessment psychiatrists will interview and examine the person using questionnaires, and observe their behaviour. The psychiatrist will determine the severity of ADHD and its impact on daily life.
People with ADHD tend to manage their symptoms with strategies like diaries calendars and post-it notes. These methods are not always efficient. They could cause more stress and confusion, particularly for those already struggling with underlying mental health issues. The assessment will also include a physical examination and an examination of medical background.
The NHS has a scheme known as Right to Choose, which allows you to select where you're being referred to for an assessment. Anyone who has a GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this scheme. You can ask to have an individual service that is partnered with NHS provide an ADHD assessment. As explanation as the service is licensed by NHS and isn't charging more than NHS or NHS, you can ask to be recommended.
3. Diagnosis
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse will typically conduct an ADHD assessment, based on the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). For adults, this includes consideration of comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety.
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. The expert will observe your behavior and how it impacts others like your spouse or your children.
The specialist will take all of the data into consideration to help determine whether you meet the requirements for ADHD and its subtypes. The specialist will discuss their findings and will discuss with you the best approach to treat it.
If the doctor recommends a medication, a prescription will be provided for you to take to a pharmacy of your choice. The cost of prescriptions covers the administrative process but do not include the cost of the drugs that you have to pay separately. Additional appointments might be required if you need to titrate your medication.
It is essential to share your diagnosis with your GP, as well as anyone else who needs to know about it, such your school or employer. Our specialists can write letters of recommendation to request educational accommodations like additional time during exams or reduced deadlines.
Certain people may be unable to obtain an ADHD diagnosis, especially if their GP doesn't believe they have the symptoms. If this is the case are one of them, you might want to check out our guide on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and guidance on how to have your GP refer to you.
4. Medication
There are a variety of medications that are licensed for use in the UK to treat ADHD. These include the well-known amphetamine-based medication Lisdexamfetamine, as well as the well-known methylphenidate drug Ritalin. In the beginning, it is advised that patients begin with a low dose of medication that is gradually increased over a period of time until a patient is stabilised on their dosage. This is often followed by regular meetings with a psychiatrist to discuss the effects of medication and track the progress.
The medications can lessen symptoms of ADHD and ease the burden they put on families, people and employers. They do this by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate with each with each other. Finding the right drug is a personal choice and takes some time. Once a patient is prescribed the right medication, it's essential to stick to their treatment plan. If they continue to skip appointments or stop taking their medication can lead to symptoms returning and the medication not working as efficiently.
A psychiatrist expert will not prescribe medication in the assessment session. However, they will refer you to a specialist who will discuss your options for taking medication and, if needed, prescribe. This may require further titration sessions to determine the appropriate dosage, and regular checks to ensure that your medication is effective. The NHS does not usually cover prescriptions, so you will have to pay extra at your pharmacy.
Private clinics also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendations to employers or schools in the event that they are needed. It can include advice and direction about medication or any medical questions between appointments via telephone calls or email (limited to 20 minutes). However, the costs of titration and follow-up are not covered in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for a long time to meet demand for adult ADHD assessments for adults with ADHD. In the end, some areas have wait times of up to eight years, as per BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.
The process of assessment is long, but essential for a thorough diagnostic. The psychiatrist conducting the assessment will talk to you about your lifestyle and medical history as well as your symptoms and their impact on your life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the doctor determine how you feel.
Following the clinical interview after the clinical interview, you will receive a report from your specialist that will include the diagnosis of ADHD and recommendations for treatment and ongoing support. They will also talk with you whether ADHD is a contributing factor to any health problems or issues you might have.
There are many types of ADHD and they all present differently in different people. This is why it's crucial to identify the exact symptoms you're experiencing so that your doctor can identify the right type of ADHD. This is why a thorough ADHD assessment is crucial and will give you the best chance of finding the appropriate treatment for your issues.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative to an ADHD assessment for those who are in a position to speed up the process and avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Patients can self-refer to a private mental health provider and get quicker access to specialists who have expertise in adult ADHD. cheapest adhd assessment starts with a consultation with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in adult ADHD assessment.