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The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you go through the NHS route, your assessment and treatment will be covered by the national health system. However, the NHS typically has long waiting times.
In England You can also obtain your ADHD evaluation funded privately through the "Right to Choose" pathway. The services you select must be clinically relevant and not cost more than NHS services.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will be working with a psychiatrist who is senior to understand your thoughts of presentations, experiences and thoughts. You will be asked questions about your family history as well as any mental health issues that you may have encountered in the past. The psychiatrist will collect data from a variety sources including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales and speaking to you, your family members or close friends, about how ADHD symptoms affect you in various situations.
Depending on your healthcare professional's judgment, it may be necessary to determine if your symptoms could be better explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that are akin to or coexist with ADHD. For example, anxiety disorders can often present similarly to symptoms of ADHD and can have the same impact on relationships and work. Before considering medication or other treatments, it is essential 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 explain why you believe you suffer from ADHD symptoms. Your GP should take this seriously and refer you to an assessment. However waiting times for NHS assessments can be lengthy. If you can't wait, you may choose the private route, which is more expensive but has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment you will be asked questions and then administered the QbTest, a computerised test that tests the primary ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity and attention. It is important to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to describe how you experience these characteristics in your daily life. The psychiatrist will assess your answers, and then discuss the next steps. This may include exploring different options for treatment.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is a possibility that can be much quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it's more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients could range from PS240 to 2500. This includes the assessment, a comprehensive diagnostic report and medication costs.
In the UK adults and children can get ADHD assessments through the NHS with a referral from their GP. However, the BBC's investigation shows that there are long waits to consult a specialist. One woman from Sheffield for instance is waiting for two years to see a specialist. The symptoms she has are suicidal thoughts, which can be an indication of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments state that a patient must be examined by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the examination the psychiatrist will examine and interview the individual, using questionnaires and observation of their behavior. The psychiatrist will determine the severity of ADHD and the impact it has on daily living.
People with ADHD often use strategies like calendars, diaries and post-it notes to manage their symptoms. But, these strategies aren't always efficient. They can lead to anxiety and confusion, particularly for those who suffer from mental health issues. The assessment will also include an examination of the body and an examination of medical background.
Right to Choose is a scheme of the NHS that lets you choose where you're assessed. This is open to anyone who's registered with a GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can request to be recommended to a private company that is partnered with the NHS which offers an ADHD assessment, as long as they're licensed by the NHS and do not charge more than the NHS.
3. Diagnosis
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse typically conducts an ADHD assessment, based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). Adults can also be evaluated for comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety.
During your appointment, you will discuss with your doctor your current symptoms and any family history. add adhd assessment 'll be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems. The expert will note your behaviour and how it impacts others like your spouse or your children.
The psychiatrist will consider all the data to determine if you are in line with the ADHD criteria and subtypes. Your specialist will explain their findings and will discuss with you the best approach to treat it.
If the doctor recommends a medication the prescription will be issued for you to visit a pharmacy of your choice. Prescription fees cover the administrative procedure but do not cover the cost of the drugs themselves, which you will need to pay separately. Additional appointments are possible in the event that you require a titration of your medication.
It is important to discuss your diagnosis with your GP and anyone else who may need to be aware of it, such as your employer or school. Our specialists can write letters of recommendation for educational accommodations like extra time during exams or a reduction in deadlines.
For some people, getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a lengthy process particularly if their GP does not take the diagnosis seriously or doesn't believe they have the symptoms. If this is the case for you, we recommend going through our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and guidance on how to convince your GP to send you.
4. Medication
There are many medications that are licensed for use in the UK to treat ADHD. These are typically stimulants and include the well-known methylphenidate drug (Ritalin) and the newest amphetamine-based medicine, lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). It is typical to suggest that patients start with a small amount of medication, which is then gradually increased over a number of appointments until the patient is at an acceptable dosage. This is usually accompanied by regular meetings with a psychiatrist to discuss the effects of medication and track progress.
The use of medication can ease the symptoms caused by ADHD and reduce the burden they put on families, individuals and workplaces. They function by increasing neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate. Finding the right drug is a personal choice, and can take some time. Once someone is on the right medication, it's vital that they remain with the treatment plan. Inability to attend appointments or stopping taking their medication could result in symptoms recurring and the medication not working as effectively.
A psychiatrist expert does not prescribe medication during the assessment session. However, they can refer you to an expert who will go over your medication options with you and, if needed, prescribe. This may require further titration appointments to get the right dosage, and regular reviews to check the effectiveness of your medication. Most of the time, the NHS will not pay for your prescription and therefore it will incur an additional cost from your pharmacy.
Private clinics can also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendation letters to employers or schools, in the event that they are required. It could include advice and direction on medication or medical concerns that arise between appointments through email or brief phone calls (limited to 20 minutes). However, the costs of monitoring and titration are not included in an initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has struggled for years to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessments. As a result, many 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 however it is essential to get a thorough diagnosis. The psychiatrist who conducts your assessment will talk to you about your medical history and lifestyle, and also the symptoms you're 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.
After the interview, your specialist will write an assessment report that will provide you with the diagnosis and suggestions for ongoing support and treatment in the event that you suffer from ADHD. They will also discuss with you whether ADHD is a contributing factor to any health issues or concerns you may have.
There are a variety of types of ADHD, and each presents differently in every individual. This is why it's important to identify the exact symptoms you're experiencing so that your doctor can determine the correct type of ADHD. A thorough ADHD assessment can help you determine the best treatment.
Private healthcare providers are an alternative to the NHS for those who wish to avoid waiting and want to speed up their ADHD assessment. Self-referrals to private mental health services will allow people to connect with specialists with expertise in adult ADHD quicker. This process often starts with a first consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist with experience in adult ADHD assessments.