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The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK If you opt for the NHS method, your evaluation and treatment will be covered by the national health service. The NHS is well-known for its long waiting times. You can also obtain your ADHD assessment privately funded through the 'Right to choose' pathway in England. However, the services you can choose must be suitable for your clinical needs and must not cost more than an NHS one. 1. In-person assessment During the evaluation, you'll work with an experienced psychiatrist to analyze your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will be asked questions about your family history as well as any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will then gather data from several 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 settings. Depending on the healthcare professional's judgement, it may be necessary to assess whether or not your symptoms can be explained better by psychiatric or medical disorders that coexist with ADHD. Anxiety disorders, like, can present with symptoms similar to ADHD and can have the same effect on relationships and work. Therefore, it is important to rule out any other disorder that may cause symptoms of ADHD before beginning to look at treatment options or medications for the disorder. The NHS Route If you decide to take the NHS route, the first step is to visit your GP and explain why you think you have symptoms of ADHD. Your GP should take this seriously and refer you for an assessment. The NHS assessment wait times can be lengthy. If you can try this out to wait, you can take the private route, which is more expensive but offers shorter wait times. During your appointment, you'll be asked to fill in several questionnaires, and then the QbTest (a computer-based test that tests the core ADHD symptoms of attention, activity and impulsivity) will be administered. You should be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD so that you can articulate how you experience these characteristics in your everyday life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers, and then discuss the next steps. This could include examining the options for medication. 2. Online assessment An online assessment is a possibility that is quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment. It is also more costly. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, a complete diagnostic report and medication costs. In the UK children and adults are able to access ADHD assessments on the NHS through a GP referral. The BBC's investigation reveals that there are lengthy waiting times to see an expert. One woman in Sheffield for instance, has been waiting two years. Her symptoms include suicidal impulses, which can be an indication of undiagnosed ADHD. The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments say that a patient should be evaluated by a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or “other appropriately qualified healthcare professional” (NICE guidelines). In the course of the assessment, psychiatrists will interview and examine the person through questionnaires and observe their behavior. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD symptoms and their effects on daily life. People suffering from ADHD often use strategies like diaries, calendars, and post-it note to manage their symptoms. These methods are not always effective. They can even lead to more anxiety and confusion, especially for those already suffering from mental health issues. The evaluation will include physical examination and a review of the medical history. The NHS has a scheme called Right to Choose, which allows you to select where you're being referred to for an assessment. Anyone who is registered with a GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this scheme. You can request an individual service that is associated with NHS provide an ADHD assessment. As long as the service is licensed by NHS and doesn't charge higher than NHS or NHS, you can ask to be recommended. 3. Diagnosis An ADHD evaluation is usually carried out by psychiatrists or specialist nurses and follows the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Adults may also be screened for comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety. During your appointment, you will discuss with your doctor your current symptoms as well as any family history. They'll also ask you to fill out questionnaires or rating scales. In this process, the expert will evaluate the way your behavior affects others in your life, like your spouse or children. The psychiatrist will review all the data to determine if you are in line with the ADHD criteria including subtypes. Your specialist will then explain their findings and recommend the best course of treatment. If your doctor recommends a medicine you will be given an order to take it to any pharmacy of your choosing. Prescription fees cover the administrative process and do not include the cost of the medication themselves, which you will be required to pay separately. If you need an adjustment of your medication, additional appointments might be required until you're stable on the medication. It's important that you share your diagnosis with your GP, as well as anyone else who may need to know about it, such your employer or school. Our specialists can provide letters of recommendation for educational accommodations like additional time during exams or shorter deadlines. Some people may be unable to obtain an ADHD diagnosis, particularly if their GP doesn't believe they are suffering from the symptoms. If this is the case for you, we suggest reading our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and guidance on how to get your GP to send you. 4. Medication There are a variety of medicines that are approved to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. These stimulants include the well-known amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine and the well known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. At first, it's recommended that patients start with a small dose of medication which is then gradually increased over a period of time until a patient has stabilized on their dosage. This is often followed by regular sessions with psychiatrists to discuss the effects of medication and track progress. Medications can help to alleviate the symptoms caused by ADHD and reduce the burden they put on individuals, families and workplaces. They do this by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate with one other. Finding the right drug is a personal choice and takes some time. When someone is prescribed the correct medication, it's important to stick with their treatment regimen. If you continue to miss appointments or stop taking your medication, the symptoms may return and the medication may not work as effectively. A psychiatrist expert will not prescribe medication in the assessment session. However, they will refer you to an expert who will discuss your options for taking medication and, if needed, prescribe. This may require further titration appointments to get the correct dosage and regular reviews to monitor the effectiveness of your medication. In general, the NHS will not pay for your prescription and so you will have to pay an additional cost from your pharmacy. Private clinics can also charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending recommendations to employers or schools if required. It could include guidance and advice on medication or medical concerns between appointments by email or brief phone calls (limited to 20 minutes). However, the cost 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 a long time to meet demand for adult ADHD assessments. This has meant that many areas have wait times of up to eight years, according to BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts. The assessment process can be lengthy however it is essential for a thorough diagnosis. The psychiatrist conducting your assessment will be in contact with you about your medical history and lifestyle and also your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the doctor determine how you feel. After the clinical interview after the clinical interview, you will receive an evaluation from your doctor that will include a diagnosis of ADHD and suggestions for treatment and ongoing support. They will also talk to you about whether or how ADHD might be a factor in any health concerns or issues that you may have. There are a variety of types of ADHD, and each presents differently for each person. It is crucial to inform your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing, to determine the type of ADHD. This is the reason a thorough ADHD assessment is so important and will give you the best chance of locating the best treatment for your specific symptoms. Private healthcare providers offer an alternative method of ADHD assessment for individuals who are able to accelerate the process and avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. Individuals can self-refer directly to an individual mental health professional and get quicker access to specialists who have expertise in adult ADHD. This process usually begins with a consultation with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessment.