The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK

The national health service will take care of your medication and assessments if you choose to go the NHS route. The NHS is known for its long wait times.

In England, you can also get your ADHD assessment privately funded through the 'Right to Choose" option. 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 be working with a senior psychiatrist to understand your thoughts presentation, experiences and experience. You will be asked questions about your family background and any mental issues you've experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will gather information from a variety of sources, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales and speaking to you, your family members or close friends, about how ADHD symptoms impact you in various situations.

Depending on the healthcare expert's judgment, it could be necessary to determine whether or not your symptoms may be explained more effectively by other medical or psychiatric disorders that coexist with ADHD. For instance anxiety disorders often present similarly to symptoms of ADHD and may have the same impact on the work environment and relationships. Before considering any medication or other treatments, it is essential to rule out any other disorders that could trigger symptoms of ADHD.

The NHS Route

If you choose to go the NHS option, the first step will be to see your GP and discuss the reasons you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. 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 that is more costly however has shorter waiting times.

During your appointment, you'll be asked to fill out several questionnaires. Then, the QbTest (a computer-based test that measures core ADHD symptoms of activity, attention and impulsivity) will be administered. It is important to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to describe how you experience these characteristics in your everyday life. The psychiatrist will assess your answers, and then discuss the next steps. This could include examining the options for medication.


2. Online assessment

Online assessments are a much faster option than waiting for a NHS appointment. However, it's more expensive. The cost of an online assessment for ADHD patients can range from PS240-PS2500. This includes the assessment, as well as a comprehensive diagnosis report and medication costs.

In the UK children and adults are able to access ADHD assessments on the NHS through an appointment with a doctor. However, the BBC's investigation has revealed long wait times to consult an expert. One woman from Sheffield, for example is waiting for two years. Her symptoms include suicidal impulses, which can be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.

The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments state that a patient must be seen by a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or "other qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the assessment, a psychiatrist will examine and interview the individual, through questionnaires and observation of behaviour. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD and its impact on daily living.

People suffering from ADHD often try to manage their symptoms with strategies like diaries, calendars, and post-it notes. These strategies are not always effective. They can cause more anxiety and confusion, especially for those who are already suffering from mental health issues. The assessment will include physical examination and a review of medical history.

The NHS offers a program called Right to Choose, which allows you to choose the location to which you're referred for an assessment. Anyone registered with a GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this scheme. You can ask to be directed to a private clinic partnered with the NHS that offers an ADHD assessment, so long as they're licensed by the NHS and don't charge more than the NHS.

3. Diagnosis

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

During the appointment, you'll talk about your current symptoms and your family history with the doctor. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales. During this process, an expert will evaluate how your behaviour impacts others in your life, including your partner or children.

The doctor will take all information into consideration to determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD as well as its subtypes. Your specialist will explain their findings and then discuss with you the best approach to treat it.

If your doctor recommends a medication you will be issued an order to take it to any pharmacy you like. The cost of prescriptions is for the administrative process only and do not cover the cost of medications. You'll need to pay for the medication. If you require a medication titration, additional appointments may be needed until you're comfortable with the medication.

It is essential to share your diagnosis with your GP as well as anyone else who may need to be aware of it, like your school or employer. Our specialists can also write recommendations for educational accommodations, such as extra time for exams or shorter deadlines.

Some people might find it difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis, particularly in cases where their GP does not believe that they are suffering from the symptoms. If this is you, you may want to check out our guide on Getting an ADHD Assessment for tips and suggestions on how to make your GP refer you.

4. Medication

In the UK There are many medications that are approved to treat ADHD. These are typically stimulants, including the well-known medication methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the newest amphetamine-based medicine, lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). It is typical to suggest that patients start with a small dose of medication, and then gradually increased over a series of appointments until the patient is at a stable dosage. This is usually accompanied by regular meetings with psychiatrists to discuss any the effects of medication and track the progress.

Medicines can ease the symptoms caused by ADHD and lessen the burden they place on families, individuals and workplaces. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters which allow brain cells to communicate with each with each other. But, the best medication can be a bit different for each person and determining it could take time. Once a patient is prescribed the correct medication, it's crucial to stick to the 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 is not able to prescribe medication during the assessment session. However, they can refer you to a specialist who will discuss your medication options with you and prescribe, if needed. This will require further titration sessions to determine the right dosage and periodic reviews to ensure that your medication is effective. In general the NHS will not cover your prescription, so it will incur an additional cost for your pharmacy.

book adhd assessment charge for follow-up consultations. If needed, this could include sending recommendation letters to employers or schools. It could also include advice and guidance about medication or any medical concerns that arise between appointments through telephone calls or email (limited to 20 minutes). However, the costs of the titration process and follow-up appointments 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. This has meant that many areas have waiting times that can be as long as eight years, according to BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.

The process of assessment is long, but essential to provide a complete diagnosis. The doctor who conducts your assessment will speak to you about your medical history and lifestyle, and also the symptoms that you are experiencing and their impact on your daily routine. You might also be asked to complete questionnaires or fill out rating scales that will help the specialist determine the severity of your illness.

After the interview, your specialist will put together the report, which will give you an assessment and recommendations for ongoing treatment and support for ADHD. They will also talk to you about whether and how ADHD could be a factor in any health problems or concerns that you face.

There are different types of ADHD and they appear differently in different people. It is essential to tell your doctor about the symptoms that you are experiencing, so that they can determine the kind of ADHD. This is why a comprehensive ADHD assessment is so important and will provide you with the most effective chance of finding the best treatment for your specific symptoms.

Private healthcare providers provide an alternative method of ADHD assessment for individuals who are able to accelerate the process and avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Patients can self-refer to an individual mental health professional, and this can provide more rapid access to specialists who have experience in adult ADHD. The process usually begins with a consultation with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist with experience in adult ADHD evaluations.