If you are thinking of getting an ADHD assessment in the UK you have two options: waiting for an NHS assessment or seeking an one. This is a decision and its good to know exactly what each option involves. What you get how long it takes, what it costs and how the outcomes compare.
The NHS Pathway
An NHS ADHD assessment starts with a referral from your GP. Your GP will send you to the local service. This might be an adult mental health team, a specialist ADHD clinic or for kids, a CAMHS service. Once referred you join a waiting list.
The waiting list varies a lot depending on where you live. It can be a months to over 10 years. When you finally get to the front of the list you will usually be assessed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse depending on the service. The assessment is free.
NHS assessments are different in how thorough they’re what they involve. Some services do multi-session assessments with detailed reports. Others are more limited. The quality of assessment can be different across services and areas.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD on the NHS medication can be. Managed by your NHS team or your GP. This is the long-term cost advantage of the NHS pathway. Ongoing medication management at NHS prescription costs.
The Private Pathway
A private ADHD assessment does not need a GP referral. You can book directly with a clinic usually getting an appointment within weeks.
Private assessments are done by consultant psychiatrists. Doctors with specialist training. The assessment process is thorough. Involves validated rating scales, clinical interview and collateral history.
A full written diagnostic report is produced after the assessment. This report is suitable for submission to your GP, employer, DVLA, insurer and any other body requiring documentation.
The upfront cost is higher. At Harley Mind Care adult assessments start from £800. Following diagnosis if your GP agrees to a shared care arrangement ongoing medication management can be transferred to the NHS.
How do the Clinical Standards Compare?
A private assessment from a clinic conducted by a consultant psychiatrist should be as good as or better than an NHS assessment. The diagnostic criteria used are the same. ADHD is diagnosed according to ICD-11 or DSM-5 criteria in both settings. The rating scales and assessment tools used are the same.
The key difference is not quality but rather consistency and access. Private assessments are more consistent in quality and much faster to access.
Will my GP Accept a Diagnosis?
Most GPs will accept a diagnosis made by a consultant psychiatrist at a clinic and documented in a comprehensive written report. However some GPs are more cautious about prescribing on the basis of a diagnosis.
We recommend talking to your GP before or after your assessment to understand their position on shared care.
Which is Right for You?
The right choice depends on your situation.
The NHS pathway makes sense if your waiting time in your area is manageable your difficulties are not severely impacting your life now and the upfront cost of private assessment is a barrier.
A private assessment makes sense if you are struggling significantly and cannot wait years for a diagnosis if you have tried to access NHS services and found the wait unacceptable if you need documentation for work or other purposes or if you value the consistency and senior-level clinical input that private assessment provides.
There is no answer. The important thing is that you receive a thorough accurate assessment by a qualified clinician. And that you get the support you need.
If you would like to discuss whether private assessment is right, for you call 020 7047 8888. Visit harleymindcare.com. We are always happy to answer questions before you book.