The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK

The national health system will cover your medication and assessment if you choose to go the NHS route. The NHS is notorious for its long waiting times.

You can also get your ADHD assessment privately funded through the 'Right of Choice option in England. However, the services you can choose must be clinically appropriate and must not cost more than an NHS one.

1. In-person assessment

During the assessment you will be working with a psychiatrist of senior level to fully comprehend your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will be asked questions about your family history and any mental issues that you've experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will gather data from a variety sources like symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales and talking to you, your family or close friends about how ADHD symptoms impact your life in various scenarios.

Depending on your healthcare professional's judgment, it may be necessary to determine if your symptoms can be more easily explained by medical or psychiatric disorders that are similar to or coexist alongside ADHD. Anxiety disorders, for example may present with symptoms similar to ADHD and can have the same effect on relationships and work. Before deciding on medication or other treatments, it is crucial to rule out any other disorders that could cause symptoms of ADHD.

The NHS Route

If you decide to go the NHS route, the first step is to visit your GP and discuss the reasons you believe you have symptoms of ADHD. Your GP must consider this an issue that is serious and refer you to an assessment. However waiting times for NHS assessments can be lengthy. If you're unable to wait, you may take the private route instead, which can be more expensive, but has shorter waiting times.

During your appointment, you'll be asked to fill in several questionnaires, and then the QbTest (a computer-based test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of attention, activity, and impulsivity) will be administered. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment so that you can write down the instances where you have experienced them in your life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers and discuss the next steps are and whether you would like to look into treatment options.

2. Online assessment

Online assessments are a much faster option than waiting for an NHS appointment. It is also more costly. The cost of an ADHD online assessment could range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment as well as a complete diagnosis report as well as medication costs.

In the UK, adults or children can obtain ADHD assessments through the NHS with a referral from their GP. However, a BBC investigation shows that there are long waits to visit a specialist. For example, one woman from Sheffield has been waiting for over two years. Suicidal thoughts are one of her symptoms. This could indicate 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 examination, a psychiatrist will assess and interview the patient, using questionnaires and observation of behaviour. The psychiatrist will then assess the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.


People suffering from ADHD often attempt to manage their symptoms through strategies such as diaries, calendars, and post-it notes. These methods are not always effective. They could cause more stress and confusion, especially for those who are already struggling with underlying mental health conditions. The assessment will also include an examination of the body and a review of medical history.

The NHS offers a program called Right to Choose, which lets you choose the location to which you're referred for an assessment. This is available to everyone who's registered with a GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can ask to be directed to a private clinic that is partnered with the NHS that offers an ADHD assessment, so long they're licensed by the NHS and don't charge more than the NHS.

3. Diagnosis

A specialist nurse or psychiatrist typically conducts an ADHD assessment, using the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). Adults may also be screened for co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression.

During your appointment, you will discuss with your doctor your current symptoms and any family history. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. In assessed for adhd , the expert will note how your behavior impacts other people in your life, such as your spouse or children.

The specialist will take all of the information into account to help determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD as well as its subtypes. Your specialist will then explain their findings and suggest the best course of treatment.

If the psychiatrist suggests medication then a prescription will be provided for you to take to a pharmacist of your preference. The cost of prescriptions covers the administrative process and do not include the cost of the medications that you need to pay separately. Additional appointments are possible when you have to adjust your medication.

Once you've been diagnosed It's crucial to communicate the results with your GP and anyone else you need to be aware, like your employer or school. Our experts can also provide recommendations for educational accommodations like extra time in exams or reduced deadlines.

For some people, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis may be a lengthy process, especially if their GP doesn't take them seriously or doesn't believe they're suffering from the symptoms. If this is you are one of them, you might want to check out our guide on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and suggestions on how to make your GP to refer to you.

4. Medication

There are a variety of medicines that are approved for use in the UK to treat ADHD. These include the well-known amphetamine based medication Lisdexamfetamine, as well as the well known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. At first, it's recommended that patients start with a low dose of medication that is titrated up over several appointments until a patient has stabilized on their dosage. This is usually accompanied by regular meetings with psychiatrists to discuss side effects, and monitor progress.

Medications can help to alleviate the many symptoms caused by ADHD and ease the burden they put on individuals, families and workplaces. They help by increasing neurotransmitters, which enable brain cells to communicate. Finding the right medication is an individual matter and takes some time. Once a patient is prescribed the appropriate medication, it's crucial to stick to their treatment program. Continuing to miss appointments or stop taking their medication can cause symptoms to return and the medication not working as effectively.

An expert psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment session, but they can refer you on to a specialist nurse who will discuss medication options and prescribe, if needed. This may require further titration sessions to determine the correct dosage and periodic reviews to ensure that your medication is working. The NHS typically does not cover prescriptions, so you will have to pay a premium at your pharmacy.

Private clinics can also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendations to employers or schools, in the event that they are required. Short phone calls or emails (limited to 20 minutes) can be used to give advice and assistance with medical or medication questions between appointments. However, the costs associated with monitoring and titration are not included in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.

5. Follow-up

The NHS has struggled for a long time to meet the demands for adult ADHD assessment. According to BBC research, waiting times in many areas can exceed 8 years.

The assessment process can be lengthy however it is essential for a thorough diagnosis. The doctor who conducts your assessment will speak to you about your medical history and your lifestyle, and also the symptoms you're experiencing and their impact on your daily life. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires or rate scales to help the doctor assess your condition.

Following the clinical interview, your specialist will write an assessment report that will provide you with the diagnosis and suggestions for ongoing treatment and support for ADHD. They will also talk to you about whether or how ADHD could be a contributing factor to any health concerns or issues that you may have.

There are a variety of types of ADHD and each manifests differently for every person. This is why it's crucial to identify the specific symptoms you are experiencing so that your doctor will be able to determine the appropriate type of ADHD. This is why a thorough ADHD assessment is essential and will give you the best chance of locating the appropriate treatment for your specific symptoms.

Private healthcare providers provide an alternative to the NHS for those who want to avoid waiting and want to speed up their ADHD assessment. Patients can self-refer to an independent mental health practitioner which can give more rapid access to specialists with expertise in adult ADHD. The process typically begins with a consultation with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in adult ADHD assessment.