How to Pay For a Private ADHD Assessment
ADHD is a condition that is prevalent and can be difficult to control. Accurate diagnosis can make a huge difference in your life. It is important to remember that having ADHD doesn't mean you can't live a happy and fulfilling life.
You can receive a formal 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 ways. The Psychiatry-UK website offers an option for direct debits every month and payments can be made through private medical insurance (including Bupa and Aviva). You can also opt to pay for your own assessment or prescription. NHS funding is available for adult ADHD assessments through the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to choose any provider that is clinically appropriate, provided that the Integrated Care Board or NHS England has a contract with them.
You will be evaluated by a psychiatrist or an ADHD nurse specialist who has been trained to evaluate ADHD. According to the Nice guidelines, these are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are able to diagnose ADHD.
During the examination, you will be asked questions about your childhood as well as your current life in order to determine if you meet the criteria for ADHD. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and the impact they have on you. The evaluation takes between 45 and 90 minutes.
If a specialist psychiatrist or nursing staff determines that you have ADHD they will let you know and provide you with treatment options. However, you should remember that you do not need to accept this diagnosis. If you disagree with the results you may contact a different health professional to have your symptoms reassessed.
After the examination your doctor will then send you or your GP the written report. The report will contain a description and impact of your symptoms, and an overall treatment plan. This information will be used by your GP to decide what treatment you should receive.
Some GPs are willing to enter into a shared care agreement that allows you to receive your medication through the NHS. private adhd assessment can save money on your medication by only paying the NHS prescription cost. However, some doctors aren't in agreement with this, so it is important to check before booking an appointment.
The NHS will only prescribe ADHD medication to adults who have received a formal diagnosis. If you're diagnosed as an adult suffering from ADHD and you are accountable for the cost of your private assessment as well any medication.
Waiting time
According to a study by the charity ADHD Action the report states that there is a "waiting crisis" in the UK for ADHD assessments. According to the charity, a lot of adults are waiting for longer than seven years before they are able to be evaluated. The waiting time 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.
Some private companies offer ADHD assessment that isn't recognized by the NHS. This means that you won't not be in a position to obtain any medication through the NHS. If you're thinking about the possibility of a private assessment for ADHD, ensure that the psychiatrist is registered with the General Medical Council. Be aware that a condition that is diagnosed privately does not provide you with the same protections in your workplace as a diagnosis that is accepted by the NHS.
Even though some private companies have shorter waiting times than the NHS they do not come free of problems. The BBC's investigation found that private companies use unreliable diagnostic methods and are delivering incorrect diagnoses. This could have serious implications for patients. Doctors are concerned that current arrangements for ADHD assessments aren't working and are seeking more ring-fenced funds to improve services.
Despite the fact many GPs are overwhelmed with ADHD referrals, it is important to keep in mind that only a specialist has the ability to diagnose ADHD. This is why more and more people opt to consult a private doctor for their ADHD assessment. They will avoid the long waits for diagnosis, and also get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
A private ADHD evaluation is typically a series appointments with a psychiatrist and an expert in clinical nursing. This includes an interview, observations, and questionnaires. Answering these questions correctly and honestly will help the Psychiatrist determine if you suffer from ADHD. The Psychiatrist will then write an assessment report that you can give to your GP.
If your Psychiatrist suggests you should take medication, then you will be required to sign a shared-care agreement with your GP. This means that you be responsible for the NHS prescription charge, but your GP will be accountable for renewing the prescription and deciding on the next treatments. This is not a guaranteed option, and some GPs are reluctant to share care with private patients.
Experience
A diagnosis of ADHD can aid you in understanding your issues and take steps to overcome them. It is essential to know what you are up against and the reasons why it is difficult to achieve success in your professional, social and family life. Many people struggle to be diagnosed and it is difficult to find a doctor who will accept them.
Private companies can assist you in reducing your waiting time and get an appointment with a certified ADHD expert. These tests typically last 45 to 90 minutes and include an interview and a discussion of your symptoms. You may also be asked give examples of your past to help with the assessment process. During your appointment, the doctor will determine if you meet the criteria needed to be diagnosed with ADHD.
In addition to assessing the symptoms of ADHD, private healthcare professionals will also take a look at your mental health history as well as any other conditions you may have. This will help them determine if you suffer from other disorders that can hinder your ADHD. You should be prepared to discuss these issues prior the appointment as they will impact your treatment.
Many people with untreated ADHD are struggling with interactions, work and overall well-being. This is due to the fact that untreated ADHD can result in uncontrollable and inattentive behavior. Moreover, it can lead to anxiety, depression and other psychological problems. For this reason, it is crucial to seek a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
At present, people who want to be diagnosed with ADHD have long waiting times at the NHS. This is due to a slow system, with NHS services swamped by referrals. It can take as long as an entire year to see an ADHD clinic. This can be frustrating for adults who have struggled for years without knowing the cause of their problems.
This is why some adults opt to have an individual ADHD assessment. Private ADHD assessments can be expensive however they can provide the answers you require and the assurance that you're being cared for by a professional who is trained. In addition, some private ADHD assessment providers offer the option of sharing care arrangements with GPs. This could mean that you pay for your medication through the NHS.
Reputation
Some private companies are being accused of overdiagnosing ADHD in adults, using low-quality tests and staff who are not qualified. BBC Panorama recently highlighted this issue. The GP should refer patients who suspect that they be suffering from ADHD to the NHS Adult ADHD service. They must be aware that individuals might be misdiagnosed, or given medications they do not require.
Psychiatrists and specialist ADHD nurses are the only professionals who can officially evaluate ADHD. Other mental health professionals, including counsellors, can't diagnose. They can identify symptoms and offer 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 capable of prescribing medication, which is only available with an psychiatric diagnosis.
A complete ADHD assessment will require several appointments, observations and tests. If your doctor suggests an ADHD assessment, make sure you choose a service with a stellar reputation. A good provider will spend time getting to know you, and the context of your everyday life. You can find a list of approved providers on the NHS website.