How to Pay For a Private ADHD Assessment
ADHD is a very common condition that can be difficult to manage. An accurate diagnosis can make all the difference in your life. It is important to keep in mind that having ADHD does not mean you can't lead a fulfilling and fulfilled life.
You can receive a legally recognized diagnosis from a psychiatrist or any other "appropriately qualified healthcare professional" [Nice Guidelines]. This includes Psychologists.
Cost
You can pay for a private ADHD assessment in a variety ways. The Psychiatry-UK website offers the option of a monthly direct debit and the payment can be made via private medical insurance (including Bupa and Aviva). Alternately, you can choose to pay for your assessment yourself or take medication. NHS funding is available for adult ADHD assessments through the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to choose any clinically appropriate provider, in the event that the Integrated Care Board or NHS England has a contract with them.
You will be assessed by a specialist psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse who is trained to evaluate for ADHD. They are the only healthcare professionals that can diagnose ADHD in the UK according to the Nice guidelines.
During the test, you will be asked questions about your childhood and recent life in order to determine if you are a candidate for ADHD. You will also be asked questions about your symptoms and how they affect you. The test takes between 45 and 90 minutes.
If a specialist psychiatrist or nurse determines that you have ADHD they will inform you so and may discuss your options for treatment. However, you should remember that you don't have to accept this diagnosis. If you disagree with the results, you can contact another health professional to have your symptoms reassessed.
After the examination, your expert will give you or your GP an written report. The report will include a description and consequences of your symptoms, and an overall treatment plan. This information can be used by your GP to decide what treatment you should receive.
Some GPs will sign an agreement of shared care with a private provider, to allow you to receive medications through the NHS. This can help you save money on the cost of your medication, since you only pay the NHS prescription cost. Certain doctors may not be able to accept this arrangement, so you should 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 accountable for the cost of your private assessment and any medication.
Time to wait
According to a study by the charity ADHD Action the report states that there is a 'waiting crisis' in the UK for ADHD assessments. The charity says that many adults are waiting more than seven years for an assessment. The waiting times are causing frustration and anxiety for people who suffer from ADHD. The condition is believed to affect 1.5 million people in the UK.
Private companies may offer ADHD assessments that aren't recognized by the NHS. This means that you won't be eligible to access any medications through the NHS. If you're thinking of 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 a private diagnosis will not give you the same protections at work as a diagnosis recognised by the NHS.
While private companies may have shorter wait times than the NHS but they aren't without problems. The BBC's investigation revealed that some private providers are using unreliable diagnostic techniques and giving incorrect diagnoses. This can have serious consequences for patients. The GPs are worried about the current arrangements for ADHD assessment and are seeking more ringfenced funding to improve the service.
Despite the fact that many GPs are overwhelmed by ADHD referrals, you should keep in mind that only a specialist has the ability to diagnose ADHD. Many people are choosing to have their ADHD assessed by a private doctor. They can avoid long waits for a diagnoses and get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
A private ADHD evaluation is typically an ongoing series of appointments with a psychiatrist and a specialist in clinical nursing. It involves an interview, observations, and questionnaires. Answering adhd private assessment and honestly will help the Psychiatrist determine if you suffer from ADHD. The Psychiatrist will then draft a report that you can present to your GP.
If the Psychiatrist recommends that you take medication, you will need to sign a shared care agreement with your GP. You'll have to pay the NHS prescription cost, but it is your GP who will renew your prescription and determine the next treatments. This is not a guaranteed option, and some GPs are reluctant to share care with private patients.
Experience
If you're an adult with ADHD, getting a diagnosis could be a significant step forward in understanding your challenges and taking steps to address the issues. It is important to understand the issues you face and why you are struggling to be successful at work, in relationships, or in your family life. Many people struggle to get diagnosed and it is difficult to find a doctor who will accept them.
Private providers can help you cut down on the amount of time you wait to get an appointment with a certified ADHD expert. These assessments usually last 45 to 90 minutes and consist of an interview and discussion of your issues. You might be asked to provide some examples from your past to assist in the assessment process. During your appointment, the clinician will determine whether you meet the criteria needed to be diagnosed with ADHD.
Private healthcare professionals will not only assess your ADHD symptoms, but also your mental health and any other conditions that you may have. This will allow them to determine if there are any other disorders which can affect ADHD. You should be ready to discuss these issues prior the appointment as they will impact your treatment.
Unmanaged ADHD can cause problems in the workplace, with relationships, and also with overall well-being. If not treated, ADHD can lead to impulsive and inattentive behavior. It can also cause depression, anxiety and other psychological problems. It is therefore important to seek proper diagnosis and treatment right away.
Presently, many adults who would like to be diagnosed with ADHD have long waiting times for NHS assessments. This is due to a slow system and NHS services overwhelmed by referrals. In some instances it could take up to a year before you are examined by an ADHD clinic. This can be very frustrating for those who have fought for years without knowing the reason behind their struggles.
A few adults opt for an in-person ADHD assessment. Private ADHD assessments can be costly however they can provide the answers that you need and the assurance that you're being cared for by a trained professional. Some private ADHD assessment providers also provide shared treatment arrangements with doctors. This could mean that your medication will be covered by the NHS.
Reputation
Some private companies are accused of overdiagnosing ADHD in adults, using low-quality tests and unqualified staff. This was highlighted in a recent BBC Panorama investigation. Doctors should refer patients who suspect that they be suffering from ADHD to the NHS Adult ADHD service. They should be aware of the risk that someone could be misdiagnosed and receive medication they don't need.
Only psychiatrists and ADHD nurses with specialized training can evaluate ADHD informally. Counsellors and other mental health professionals are not able to diagnose ADHD. They can identify symptoms and offer support. If you decide to undergo an individual ADHD evaluation, make sure that the psychiatrist or nurse is enrolled on the General Medical Council's specialist register. They must be able to prescribe medication and only with an psychiatric diagnosis.
A complete ADHD assessment requires a series of appointments, observations and tests. If your GP recommends an ADHD assessment, choose a service with a stellar reputation. A reputable provider will take time to learn about you and the context of your life. You can find a list of approved providers on the NHS website.