20 Trailblazers Are Leading The Way In Cost Of ADHD Assessment The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK

The national health service will provide your medical and assessment when you decide to take the NHS route. However the NHS typically has long waiting times.

You can also get your ADHD assessment funded privately 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 examination, you will work with an experienced psychiatrist to understand your thoughts, presentations, and experiences. You will be asked questions regarding your family history and any mental health issues you may have had in the past. The psychiatrist will gather information using a variety of sources including symptoms checklists, behavior rating scales and speaking to you, your family or close friends, about how ADHD symptoms impact your life in various scenarios.

Based on your doctor's opinion, it could be important for them to determine if your symptoms can be better explained by psychiatric or medical disorders that are similar to or coexist with ADHD. For adhd assessments uk be similar to symptoms of ADHD and can affect work and relationships. It is therefore important to rule out other disorders that can cause symptoms of ADHD before moving on to look into medications or other treatments for the disorder.

The NHS Route

If you decide to use the NHS the first step is to go to your GP to discuss the reasons you think you may have ADHD symptoms. Your GP must consider this an issue that is serious and refer you to an assessment. The NHS assessment waiting times can be very long. If you cannot wait, you may choose the private route which is more expensive but has shorter waiting times.

During your appointment, you'll be asked to fill out several questionnaires, and then the QbTest (a computer-generated test that measures core ADHD symptoms of attention, activity and impulsivity) will be administered. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, so that you are able to write down examples of how you experience these symptoms in your life. The psychiatrist will then assess your answers and discuss the next steps to take including if you'd like to explore the possibility of medication.

2. Online assessment

Online assessments are an efficient alternative to waiting for an NHS appointment. However, it's more expensive. 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 adults and children can access ADHD assessments through the NHS through a GP referral. The BBC's investigation shows that there are lengthy waiting times to see a specialist. For instance, a woman from Sheffield has been waiting for two years. Suicidal thoughts are one of her symptoms. This could indicate that she has undiagnosed ADHD.

According to NHS guidelines, a patient with ADHD should be evaluated by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (NICE guidelines). During the assessment a psychiatrist will interview and examine the patient with questionnaires and observe their behaviour. The psychiatrist will evaluate the severity of ADHD and the impact it has on daily living.

People suffering from ADHD tend to manage their symptoms with strategies such as diaries, calendars, and post-it notes. These strategies aren't always effective. These methods can create anxiety and confusion, especially in people with mental health issues. The assessment will also include an examination of the body and a review of medical background.

Right to Choose is a scheme offered by the NHS which allows you to choose the location to which you're being referred for an assessment. This is open to anyone who has a registered GP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can request an individual service that is affiliated with NHS offer an ADHD assessment. If the service is approved by NHS and doesn't charge higher than NHS, you can request to be advised.

3. Diagnosis

A psychiatrist or specialist nurse will usually conduct an ADHD assessment, based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). Adults may also be screened for comorbid disorders like depression or anxiety.

During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and family history with the doctor. They'll also ask you to fill out questionnaires or rating scales. In this process, the expert will observe your behavior and how it affects other people such as your spouse or your children.

The psychiatrist will consider all the evidence to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria including subtypes. Your doctor will then discuss their findings and recommend the best treatment options.

If a psychiatrist recommends a medication, you will receive an order to take it to any pharmacy of your choice. The prescription fees cover the administration process and do not include the cost of the drugs that you need to pay for separately. Additional appointments are possible when you have to adjust your medication.


It is important to discuss your diagnosis with your GP and anyone else who needs to be aware of it, like your school or employer. Our specialists can write letters of recommendation to request educational accommodations like extended time during exams, or a reduction in deadlines.

For some, getting an ADHD diagnosis may be a lengthy process especially in the event that their GP doesn't take them seriously or doesn't believe they have the symptoms. If this is the case then you should 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 to be used in the UK to treat ADHD. These stimulants include the well-known amphetamine based medication lisdexamfetamine, and the well known methylphenidate medication Ritalin. It is common to recommend that patients begin with a small dose of medication, which is gradually increased over a series of appointments until the patient is at an acceptable dosage. This is usually accompanied by regular meetings with psychiatrists to discuss any side effects, and monitor progress.

The use of medication can ease many symptoms that are caused by ADHD and reduce the burden that they place on individuals, families and workplaces. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters which enable brain cells to communicate with each with each other. However, the right medication can be a bit different for each person and determining it could take time. Once a person has been prescribed the correct medication, it is essential that they stick to the treatment plan. If they continue to skip appointments or stop taking their medication can cause symptoms to return and the medication not working as effectively.

A specialist psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment session however, they will be able to refer you on to an expert nurse who will discuss your options for medication and prescribe, if needed. This may require further titration sessions to determine the correct dosage, and regular checks to make sure that your medication is working. Most of the time, the NHS will not cover your prescription and therefore you will have to pay an additional cost for your pharmacy.

Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. If required, this may include sending recommendation letters to employers or schools. Brief phone conversations or email (limited to 20 minutes) can be used to provide advice and guidance on medical or medication questions between appointments. However, the cost of titration and follow-up are not included in an 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 a variety of areas can be as long as 8 years.

The assessment process can be long, but it's vital for a thorough diagnosis. The psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will speak to you about your medical history and lifestyle, as well as the symptoms you're experiencing and the impact they have on your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems to help the consultant determine how you feel.

After the clinical interview you will receive an evaluation from your doctor which will include the diagnosis of ADHD and treatment recommendations and ongoing support. They will also inform you about if and how ADHD might be a contributing factor to any health problems or concerns that you may have.

There are many different kinds of ADHD and each one manifests differently in every individual. It is essential to tell your doctor about the symptoms you're experiencing to determine the kind of ADHD. This is why a thorough ADHD assessment is crucial 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 evaluation. Individuals can self-refer directly to a private mental health provider and get quicker access to specialists who have experience in adult ADHD. This process usually starts with a consultation with psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is experienced in adult ADHD assessment.