The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
If you choose to go the NHS method, your evaluation and medication will be covered by the national health service. The NHS is well-known for its long wait times.
In www.iampsychiatry.uk can also get your ADHD evaluation privately funded via the "Right to choose" pathway. However the services you select must be appropriate for your needs and must not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the assessment you will be paired with a seasoned psychiatrist to analyze your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will be asked questions regarding your family history as well as any mental health issues you might have encountered in the past. The psychiatrist will then collect information from a number of sources such as symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales as well as speaking to you and your family members or close friends about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different environments.
Depending on your healthcare professional's judgement, it could be necessary to determine if your symptoms could be better explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that are akin to or coexist alongside ADHD. For example, anxiety disorders can often be similar to symptoms of ADHD and may have a similar impact on relationships and work. Before considering medication or other treatments, it is important to rule out any other disorders that could cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you decide to take the NHS route, your first step should be to visit your GP and provide the reason why you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should consider this to be a serious matter and refer you to an assessment. The NHS assessment wait times can be lengthy. If you are unable to wait, you can choose the private route that is more costly but has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment, you will be asked a few questions and will be 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 essential to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment so that you can write down instances of how you have experienced them in your life. The psychiatrist will assess your answers and discuss the next steps. This may include exploring different options for treatment.
2. Online assessment
An online assessment is an option that is much faster than waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it's more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients can vary from PS240 to PS2500. This includes the assessment, a full diagnostic report and medications.
In the UK Adults and children can receive ADHD assessments through the NHS with the help of their GP. The BBC's investigation has revealed that there are long waiting times to see a specialist. One woman from Sheffield for instance is waiting for two years to see a specialist. Her symptoms include suicidal tendencies which could be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.
According to NHS guidelines, a patient with ADHD is assessed by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the assessment a psychiatrist will interview and examine the person through questionnaires and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on everyday life.
People with ADHD typically employ strategies such as diaries, calendars, and post-it note to manage their symptoms. These strategies are not always effective. They can cause more stress and confusion, especially for those who are already struggling with underlying mental health conditions. The assessment will include a physical exam and a review of medical history.
The NHS has a scheme known as Right to Choose, which allows you to select the location to which you're referred for an assessment. This is open to anyone who has a registered GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can ask to be directed to a private clinic which is affiliated 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 assessment is usually conducted by psychiatrists or specialist nurses and follows the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). For adults, this includes the assessment of comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression.
During your appointment, you will discuss with the doctor your current symptoms as well as any family history. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. In this process, the expert will assess how your behaviour impacts others in your life, like your spouse or children.
The doctor will take all the data into consideration to determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD, including its subtypes. The specialist will discuss their findings and then discuss with you the best treatment.
If the psychiatrist recommends a medication, you will receive an order to take it to any pharmacy of your choosing. The prescription fees cover the administration procedure but do not cover the cost of the drugs themselves, which you will need to pay separately. Additional appointments are possible when you have to adjust your medication.
Once you've been diagnosed, it's important to share the results with your GP and anyone else who needs to know, such as your school or employer. Our specialists can write letters of recommendation to request educational accommodations such as additional time during exams or a reduction in deadlines.
Some people may be unable to obtain an ADHD diagnosis, particularly when their GP does not believe that they have the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we suggest going through our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and guidance on how to get your GP to send you.
4. Medication
There are a number of medications that are licensed for use in the UK to treat ADHD. These stimulants include the well-known amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine, as well as the well-known methylphenidate drug Ritalin. It is common to recommend that patients begin with a small amount of medication, which is then gradually increased over a period of appointments until the patient is at an acceptable dosage. This is often accompanied with regular sessions with psychiatrists to discuss any side effects, and monitor progress.
Medicines can ease the symptoms caused by ADHD and ease the burden they put on individuals, families and workplaces. They help by increasing neurotransmitters, which allow brain cells to communicate. Finding the right medication is a personal choice, and can take some time. Once someone is prescribed the correct medication, it's crucial to stick to the treatment program. If you continue to skip appointments or stop taking your medication, symptoms may come back and the medication might not be effective.
A qualified psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment However, they can refer you on to a specialist nurse who will discuss the options for medication and prescribe if appropriate. This could require additional appointment for titration to determine the right dosage, and regular checks to ensure the effectiveness of your medication. The NHS typically does not pay for prescriptions, which means you'll need to pay a premium at your pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. If necessary, this includes sending letters of recommendation to employers or schools. It could include advice and direction about medication or any medical questions between appointments via email or brief phone calls (limited to 20 minutes). The initial ADHD assessment does not include the cost for titration or follow-up.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has struggled for years to meet the demand for adult ADHD tests for adults with ADHD. 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 assessment process can be lengthy but is necessary for a thorough diagnostic. The doctor who conducts your assessment will talk to you about your medical history and your lifestyle, as well as the symptoms you're experiencing and the impact they have on your daily life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the psychiatrist assess how you are feeling.
After the interview you will receive an evaluation from your doctor that will include an assessment of ADHD and treatment recommendations and ongoing support. They will also inform you if ADHD is a factor in any health issues or concerns you may have.
There are various kinds of ADHD and they all present differently in every individual. It is essential to tell your specialist the symptoms you're experiencing to determine the type of ADHD. This is the reason a thorough ADHD assessment is crucial and will provide you with the best chance of finding the best treatment for your symptoms.
Private healthcare providers offer an alternative method of ADHD assessment for those who are in a position to accelerate the process and wish to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Self-referrals to private mental health professionals permit individuals to get access to specialists who specialize in adult ADHD faster. This process often begins with a consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessments.