How to Pay For a Private ADHD Assessment
ADHD is a condition that is common and is difficult to control. Finding a reliable diagnosis can make a huge difference in your life. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD doesn't mean you cannot lead a successful life.
You can get a formally recognized diagnosis from a psychiatrist or another "appropriately qualified healthcare professional" [Nice Guidelines]. This includes psychologists.
Cost
You can pay for your personal ADHD evaluation using a variety of different options. adhd private assessment offers a monthly direct-debit option. Payments can also be made via private medical insurances (including Bupa or Aviva). You can also opt to fund your assessment on your own or take medication. The Right to Choose scheme allows adult ADHD assessments to be paid for by the NHS. This scheme allows patients to choose any appropriate clinical provider, provided they have a contract with the Integrated Care Board (ICBC) or NHS England.
You will be evaluated by a psychiatrist or an ADHD nurse specialist who has been trained to evaluate ADHD. These are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK, according to the Nice guidelines.
During the assessment, you will be asked questions about your childhood and life in the past to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they 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 let you know and provide you with treatment options. However, you should remember that you don't have to accept the diagnosis. If you are not satisfied with the results you may contact a different medical professional to have your symptoms reassessed.
After the evaluation, your expert will give you or your GP the written report. This will include a description of your symptoms and the impact they have on you and an agreed holistic treatment plan. Your GP can then make use of this information to decide on a course of treatment for you.
Some GPs are willing to join a shared-care agreement to ensure that you get your medication through the NHS. You can save money on your prescriptions by only paying the NHS prescription cost. Some doctors might not be able to take this arrangement, so verify prior to scheduling an appointment.
The NHS will only prescribe ADHD medication to adults who have received an official diagnosis. If you're diagnosed as an adult suffering from ADHD, you will be responsible for paying for your private assessment and any medication.
Time to wait
According to a report by the charity ADHD Action the report states that there is a 'waiting crisis' in the UK for ADHD assessments. The charity claims that many adults are waiting for more than seven years to receive an assessment. Waiting times can cause anxiety and stress for those with ADHD. It is estimated that 1.5 million people in the UK are affected by the condition.
Private companies may offer ADHD assessments that are not accepted by the NHS. This means that you won't be in a position to access the associated medications through the NHS. If you are thinking about getting a private assessment for ADHD be sure that the psychiatrist is a member of the General Medical Council and on their specialist register. Be aware that private diagnoses won't allow you to use any workplace protections that you could have with a NHS-recognized diagnosis.
Even though some private companies have shorter waiting times than the NHS they're not without issues. The BBC's investigation found that private companies use unreliable diagnostic methods and giving incorrect diagnoses. This could have serious implications for patients. The GPs are worried about the current arrangements for ADHD assessment and want more ringfenced funding to improve services.
Despite the fact that many GPs have been overwhelmed by ADHD referrals It is important to keep in mind that only a specialist is able to determine the cause of ADHD. This is the reason why more people opt to consult a private doctor for their ADHD assessment. They can avoid the long waiting times for an assessment, and receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
A private ADHD assessment will usually involve an ongoing series of appointments with a psychiatrist and a specialist in clinical nursing. This could include an interview, observations and questionnaires. It is important to answer these questions truthfully and accurately, because this will help the Psychiatrist decide whether you have ADHD or not. The Psychiatrist will then draft an evaluation that you could send to your GP.
If your Psychiatrist suggests that you take medication, you'll need to sign a shared care agreement with your GP. You'll have to pay the NHS prescription fee, however it is your GP who will renew your prescription and decide on the next treatments. This is not a guaranteed option, and some GPs are reluctant to share their services with private patients.
Experience
A diagnosis of ADHD can aid you in understanding your issues and take steps to overcome them. It is important to understand the issues you face and why you are struggling to be successful at work, in relationships and in your home life. However, there are many people who are struggling to get an diagnosis, and it's sometimes difficult to find a clinic which will accept them.
Private providers can help to cut down on waiting times and ensure you have an appointment with a trained ADHD specialist. These assessments usually last 45 to 90 minutes and consist of an interview and discussion about your symptoms. You may be asked to give examples of your life to help in the assessment process. During your appointment, the doctor will determine whether you meet the criteria needed to be diagnosed with ADHD.
Private healthcare professionals will not only evaluate your ADHD symptoms but also your mental health and any other issues that you may have. This will allow them to determine if you have other disorders that can interfere with ADHD. You should be prepared to discuss these issues prior to the appointment because they can affect the treatment you receive.
Many people who have unmanaged ADHD experience problems with their relationships, work and overall well-being. Untreated ADHD can result in impulsive and inattentive behavior. It can also cause anxiety, depression and other psychological problems. Therefore, it is crucial to seek proper diagnosis and treatment right away.
Presently, many adults who would like to be diagnosed with ADHD face long wait times for NHS assessments. The NHS is overwhelmed with referrals, resulting in an overloaded system. It can take up to an entire year to see an ADHD clinic. This can be frustrating for those who have fought for years without knowing the reason behind their struggles.
This is the reason that some adults opt to have an individual ADHD assessment. Private ADHD assessments are expensive however, they can provide the answers you seek and the peace of mind that you're receiving treatment from a professional. Additionally, some private ADHD assessment companies offer an arrangement for shared care with GPs. This could mean that you only pay for your medication through the NHS.
Reputation
There is a growing concern that some private companies are systematically diagnosing adult ADHD with low quality assessments and staff who are not properly trained. BBC Panorama recently highlighted this issue. GPs are urged to refer patients who believe they may have ADHD to their specialist NHS Adult ADHD services. They should be aware of the possibility that a patient may be misdiagnosed and end up receiving medications they don't require.
Only psychiatrists and ADHD nurses with specialized training can evaluate ADHD informally. Other mental health professionals, such as counsellors, are not able to diagnose. They can identify symptoms and provide support. If you decide to undergo an individual ADHD evaluation, make sure that the psychiatrist or nurse is registered on the General Medical Council's specialist register. They must be able to prescribe medication that is only available if a psychiatric diagnoses is made.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment requires a series of appointments, observations and tests. If your doctor suggests an ADHD evaluation, make sure you choose a provider who has a good reputation. A reputable provider will take time to meet with you and the context of your life. The NHS website lists approved providers.