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 system. However the NHS typically has long waiting times.
In England, you can also have your ADHD evaluation funded privately through the 'Right to Choose" route. However, the services you can select must be appropriate for your needs and must not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the examination 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 background and any mental issues you have faced in the past. The psychiatrist will gather data from a variety sources like symptoms checklists, behaviour rating scales, and talk to you, your family members or close friends, about how ADHD symptoms affect you in different situations.
Depending on your healthcare professional's judgement, it could be essential for them to determine if your symptoms are more easily explained by medical or psychiatric disorders that are akin to or coexist alongside ADHD. Anxiety disorders, for example are often associated with symptoms similar to ADHD and can have an impact similar to ADHD on work and relationships. Therefore, it is important to rule out other disorders that could trigger symptoms of ADHD before proceeding to look at medications or other treatments for the disorder.
The NHS Route
If you decide to utilize the NHS, your first step is to go to your GP to explain the reason you believe you have ADHD symptoms. Your GP should treat this as serious issue and send you for an assessment. However waiting times for NHS assessments can be long. If you're not able to wait, you may opt for the private route, which is more expensive but offers shorter waiting times.
During your appointment you will be asked questions and administered the QbTest, a computerised test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity and attention. It is important to familiarise yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, so that you are able to write down instances of how you have experienced them in your daily life. The psychiatrist will assess your answers and discuss the next steps. This could include examining different options for treatment.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments can be a much faster option than waiting for a NHS appointment. However, it is also more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients can range from PS240-PS2500. This includes the assessment, a complete diagnostic report and medications.
In the UK adults and children can obtain ADHD assessments through the NHS with a referral from their GP. However, the BBC's investigation has revealed long waits to see an expert. For example, one woman in Sheffield has been waiting for over two years. Her symptoms include suicidal tendencies, which can be an indication of undiagnosed ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments stipulate that a patient must be examined by psychiatrists, specialist nurses or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the assessment, a psychiatrist will assess and interview the individual, through questionnaires and observation of their behavior. The psychiatrist will then evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their effects on daily life.
People suffering from ADHD typically employ strategies such as calendars, diaries, and post-it note to manage their symptoms. However, these methods aren't always effective. They could cause more stress and confusion, especially for those who are already struggling with mental health issues. The examination will consist of a physical exam and a review of medical history.
The NHS has a scheme known as Right to Choose, which lets you choose 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 have an individual service that is affiliated with NHS provide an ADHD assessment. As adhd assessment online uk as the service is licensed by NHS and doesn't charge higher than NHS and you request to be advised.
3. Diagnosis
An ADHD evaluation is usually carried out by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist and is based on the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Adults may also be screened for co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and your family history with the doctor. You'll be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems. In this process, the expert will observe your behavior and how it affects others, such as your partner or your children.
The psychiatrist will take all information into consideration to help determine whether you meet the requirements for ADHD, including its subtypes. The specialist will then outline their findings and recommend the best treatment options.
If the psychiatrist recommends medication the prescription will be provided for you to visit a pharmacy of your choice. The prescription fees cover the administration process and do not include the cost of the medication that you have to pay for separately. If you need an titration of your medication, further appointments might 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 may need to know about it, such your school or employer. Our specialists can provide letters of recommendation to request educational accommodations such as extra time during exams or shorter deadlines.
For some, getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a long process, particularly in the event that their GP does not take the diagnosis seriously or doesn't believe they're suffering from the symptoms. If you're one of them, you may want to go through our article on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and guidance on how to have your GP refer to you.
4. Medication
There are many medications that are licensed for use in the UK to treat ADHD. They are usually stimulants and include the well-known methylphenidate medication (Ritalin) and the newest amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). In the beginning, it is advised that patients begin with a low dosage of medication, which is titrated up over several appointments until a patient has stabilized on their dosage. This is usually accompanied by regular sessions with a psychiatrist to discuss side effects and monitor progress.
Medications can help to alleviate the symptoms caused by ADHD and reduce the burden they place on individuals, families and workplaces. They work by increasing neurotransmitters that enable brain cells to communicate. Finding the right drug is an individual matter and takes some time. Once a patient is prescribed the correct medication, it's important to adhere to their treatment plan. Inability to attend appointments or stopping taking their medication could result in symptoms recurring and the medication not working as efficiently.
A qualified psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment session, but they will be able to refer you to a specialist nurse who will discuss your options for medication and prescribe if appropriate. This will involve further periodic titration sessions to ensure you are receiving the right dosage, and regular reviews to check the effectiveness of your medication. The NHS generally does not pay for prescriptions, so you'll have to pay an additional fee at the pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendations to schools or employers when required. Brief phone conversations or email (limited to 20 minutes) can be used to give guidance and advice on medical or medication concerns in between appointments. However, the cost of monitoring and titration are not covered in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has been struggling for years to meet the demand for adult ADHD assessment. According to BBC research waiting times in a variety of areas can be as long as 8 years.
The assessment process may be lengthy however it is essential to get a complete diagnosis. The psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will talk to you about your medical history and lifestyle, and also the symptoms you're experiencing and how they affect your daily life. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or rating systems to help the consultant determine how you feel.
After the clinical interview, your specialist will put together an assessment report that will provide you with a diagnosis and recommendations for ongoing support and treatment if you have ADHD. They will also talk to you about whether or how ADHD might be a factor in any health concerns or issues that you have.
There are many different kinds of ADHD and each one manifests differently for every person. It is essential to tell your specialist the symptoms you are experiencing, so that they can determine the kind of ADHD. A thorough ADHD assessment will assist you in finding the best treatment.
Private healthcare providers offer an alternative to the NHS for those who want to avoid waiting and want to speed up their ADHD assessment. Self-referrals to private mental health providers permit individuals to get access to experts who are knowledgeable about adult ADHD more quickly. The process usually begins with a consultation with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD evaluations.