How to Pay For a Private ADHD Assessment
ADHD is a very common condition that isn't easy to manage. An accurate diagnosis can make a huge difference in your life. It is important to keep in mind that having ADHD does not mean you can't live a happy and fulfilling life.
You can receive an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist or another "appropriately-qualified healthcare professional" (Nice Guidelines). This includes Psychologists.
Cost
You can pay for your personal ADHD assessment through a number of different options. The Psychiatry UK offers a monthly direct debit option. Payment can also be made via private medical insurances (including Bupa or Aviva). You can also opt to self-fund your assessment or prescription. NHS funding is available for adult ADHD assessments through the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to select any clinically appropriate provider, as long as the Integrated Care Board or NHS England has an agreement with them.
www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-assessments/ will be assessed either by psychiatrists or an ADHD nurse specialist who is trained to assess ADHD. They are the only healthcare professionals that can diagnose ADHD in the UK, according to the Nice guidelines.
During the assessment you will be asked about your childhood and life in the recent past to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and their impact on you. The assessment will take around 45 to 90 minutes.
If the medical professional or the specialist determines that you have ADHD they will inform you and provide you with treatment options. There is no obligation to accept the diagnosis. You may ask a different doctor to review your symptoms if you're not satisfied with the results.
After the assessment your doctor will then provide you or your GP the written report. It will include a detailed description of your symptoms and how they impact on your health, as well as an agreed-upon holistic treatment plan. Your GP can then make use of this information to decide on the best course of treatment for you.
Some doctors will sign a shared care agreement with a private healthcare provider so that you can receive medications through the NHS. You can save money on your medication by only paying the NHS prescription fee. However, some doctors aren't in agreement with this, so it's important to check before booking an appointment.
It is worth noting that the NHS will only prescribe medication to adults who have been officially diagnosed with ADHD. If you are diagnosed as an adult with ADHD, you will be responsible for paying for your private assessment as well any medication.
Time to wait
In the UK there is a waiting time crisis waiting time crisis for ADHD assessments according to a report from the charity ADHD Action. The charity claims that many adults are waiting more than seven years for an assessment. This can lead to anxiety and stress for those with ADHD. It is estimated that 1.5 million people in the UK are affected by the condition.
Some private companies offer ADHD assessment that isn't recognized by the NHS. This means that you won't be eligible to access any medications through the NHS. If you're thinking about a private assessment of ADHD be sure that the psychiatrist is registered with the General Medical Council. Be aware that a condition that is diagnosed privately will not give you the same protections in your workplace as a diagnosis that is recognised by the NHS.
While private companies may have shorter wait times than the NHS however, they are not without difficulties. The BBC's investigation has revealed that private companies utilize unreliable diagnostic methods and provide incorrect diagnoses. This could lead to serious consequences for patients. Doctors are concerned that the current arrangements for ADHD assessments aren't working, and want more ring-fenced funds to improve services.
Despite the fact that many GPs are overwhelmed by ADHD referrals, it is important to keep in mind that only a specialist is qualified to diagnose ADHD. This is why more and more people opt to consult a private doctor for their ADHD assessment. They will not have to endure the long wait for an assessment, and receive a more accurate assessment and treatment plan.
A private ADHD assessment is usually an appointment with the psychiatrist as well as a specialist in clinical nursing. This includes an interview, observation, and questionnaires. Answering these questions correctly and honestly will help the Psychiatrist determine if you suffer from ADHD. The Psychiatrist then will write an assessment report that you can present to your GP.
If your Psychiatrist suggests that you take medication, you will have to sign a shared-care agreement with your GP. This means that you'll be responsible for the NHS prescription cost, however your GP is responsible for renewing the prescription and deciding on future treatments. This is not a guaranteed option, and some GPs aren't keen to share their medical information with private patients.
Experience
If you're an adult who suffers from ADHD, getting a diagnosis is a significant step forward in understanding your struggles and implementing strategies to overcome the issues. It is essential to understand the issues you face and why you struggle to achieve success in your work, relationships and in your personal life. There are many people who struggle to receive an accurate diagnosis, and it's sometimes difficult to find a medical facility which will accept them.
Private providers are a way to reduce your waiting times and ensure you have an appointment with a certified ADHD specialist. These assessments usually last 45 to 90 minutes, and comprise an interview and discussion about your symptoms. You may also be asked to provide examples from your previous experience to help with the assessment process. During your appointment, the therapist will determine if you meet the criteria needed to be diagnosed with ADHD.
Private health professionals will not just evaluate your ADHD symptoms as well as your mental health and any other issues that you might have. This will help them determine if you have any other conditions that may interfere with your ADHD. It is important to discuss these issues prior the appointment, since they could affect your treatment.
Untreated ADHD can create problems in the workplace, in relationships, and overall well-being. If not treated, ADHD can lead to an inattention and impulsive behavior. It can also lead to anxiety, depression and other psychological problems. This is why it is essential to seek out a correct diagnosis and treatment as quickly as you can.
At present, people who want to be diagnosed with ADHD have long waiting times at the NHS. The NHS is swamped with referrals, leading to an overloaded system. It could take up to a full year for you to be seen by an ADHD clinic. This can be frustrating especially for those who have been struggling for years without knowing what was causing their problems.
Some adults decide to have a private ADHD assessment. Private ADHD assessments can be costly, but they can provide the answers you require and the assurance that you are being treated by a qualified professional. Some private ADHD assessment providers also offer shared care arrangements with doctors. This can mean that your medication will be paid for by the NHS.
Reputation
Some private companies are accused of overdiagnosing ADHD in adults, using low-quality tests and unqualified personnel. BBC Panorama recently highlighted this issue. GPs are advised to refer patients who suspect they may have ADHD to their specialist NHS Adult ADHD services. They should also be aware of the possibility that a patient might be misdiagnosed, and receive medications they don't require.
Psychiatrists and specialist ADHD nurses are the only people who are able to officially assess ADHD. Other mental health professionals, like counsellors, can't provide a diagnosis. They can spot signs and offer support. If you decide to get an individual ADHD assessment, make sure that the doctor or nurse is registered with the General Medical Council and on the specialist register. They must be able to prescribe medication that is only available with the diagnosis of psychiatric illness.
A complete ADHD assessment will require several appointments, tests, and observations. If your doctor recommends an ADHD evaluation, make sure you choose a provider who has a good reputation. A good provider will spend time to meet with you and the circumstances of your life. The NHS website lists approved providers.