How to Pay For a Private ADHD Assessment
ADHD is a condition that is prevalent and can be difficult to manage. Finding a reliable diagnosis can make a big impact on your life. It is crucial to remember that ADHD does not mean you can't live a fulfilling life.
You can get a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist or another "appropriately-qualified healthcare professional" (Nice Guidelines). This includes Psychologists.
Cost
You can pay for an individual ADHD assessment in a variety ways. 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 pay for your own assessment or prescription. The Right to Choose scheme allows adults to have ADHD assessments to be paid for by the NHS. This scheme allows patients to select any clinically-appropriate provider as long as they have a contract with the Integrated Care Board (ICBC) or NHS England.
The assessment will be conducted by an expert psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse who has been trained to assess for ADHD. These are the only healthcare professionals that can diagnose ADHD in the UK in accordance with the Nice guidelines.
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 also be asked about your symptoms and how they affect you. The assessment takes 45 to 90 minutes.
If a medical professional or the specialist determines that you suffer from ADHD they will let you know and will discuss treatment options. You do not have accept the diagnosis. You may ask a different doctor to review your symptoms if not satisfied with the results.
After the evaluation, your expert will give you or your GP the written report. The report will contain a description of your symptoms and their impact, as well as an agreed upon holistic treatment plan. Your GP will then utilize the information to decide on the best course of treatment for you.
Some GPs are willing to enter into a shared care agreement that allows you to receive your medication via the NHS. This can save you money on the cost of your medication because you only pay for the NHS prescription cost. However, some GPs do not accept this, so it is important to check before booking an appointment.
The NHS will only prescribe ADHD medication to adults who have been given a formal diagnosis. This means that if diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, you will have to pay for your private assessment and any medication that you need.
Time to wait
According to a study by the charity ADHD Action, there is a 'waiting crisis' in the UK for ADHD assessments. The charity claims that many adults are waiting more than seven years for an assessment. This can lead to anxiety and anger for those suffering from ADHD. It is estimated that 1.5 million people in the UK are affected by the condition.
Private companies can provide ADHD assessments that are not recognized by the NHS. This means that you won't be able access any associated medications through the NHS. If you're considering an assessment privately for ADHD make sure that the psychiatrist is registered with the General Medical Council. Also, remember that the private diagnosis does not permit you to gain access to any workplace protections you would have with an NHS-recognised diagnosis.
While some private businesses have shorter waiting times than the NHS they're not without issues. BBC's investigation revealed that some private hospitals use unreliable diagnostic methods and make incorrect diagnoses. This can lead to serious consequences for patients. GPs are concerned that the current arrangements for ADHD assessments aren't working and are seeking more ring-fenced funding to enhance services.
Despite the fact many GPs are overwhelmed with ADHD referrals, you must be aware that only a specialist is qualified to diagnose ADHD. This is why more and more people are opting to go to a private for their ADHD assessment. They can avoid the long wait for an assessment, and receive a more accurate assessment and treatment plan.
A private ADHD assessment will usually involve several sessions with a psychiatrist as well as an expert in clinical nursing. This includes an interview, observations and questionnaires. It is important to answer these questions truthfully and accurately, because this will help the Psychiatrist determine if you suffer from ADHD or not. The Psychiatrist then will write an assessment report that you can take to your GP.
If the Psychiatrist recommends that you take medication, you'll have to sign a shared care agreement with your GP. You'll be required to pay the NHS prescription fee, however it will be your GP who will renew your prescription and decide on future treatments. This is not a guaranteed choice, and some doctors aren't keen to share their medical information with private patients.
Experience
If you're an adult with ADHD and are diagnosed, it can be significant in understanding your struggles and implementing strategies to overcome these issues. It is important to know the issues you face and why it is hard to achieve success in your professional, social and family life. There are many people who are struggling to get a diagnosis, and it's often difficult to find a medical facility which will accept them.
Private services can help you cut down on the amount of time you wait to get an appointment with a certified ADHD expert. These assessments usually take 45 to 90 minutes and include an interview as well as a discussion of your symptoms. You may be asked to share examples from your past to help in the assessment process. During your appointment, the therapist will determine whether you meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD.
In addition to evaluating the characteristics of ADHD Health professionals from private clinics will also look at your mental health history as well as any other health issues you might have. This will help them determine if you suffer from any other disorders that can hinder your ADHD. You should be ready to discuss these issues prior the appointment as they will impact your treatment.
Untreated ADHD can create problems in the workplace, in relationships, and general well-being. This is due to the fact that untreated ADHD can result in an inattention and impulsive behavior. It can also result in depression, anxiety and other psychological problems. It is therefore crucial to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment right away.
Presently, many adults who would like to be diagnosed with ADHD face long wait times for NHS tests. The NHS is flooded with referrals, resulting in a clogged system. In some cases it could take up to one year before you're seen by an ADHD clinic. This can be very frustrating particularly for adults who have struggled for years without knowing the cause of their problems.
This is the reason that some adults choose to seek a private ADHD assessment. Private ADHD assessments can be expensive however they can provide you with the answers that you need and the confidence that you're being treated by a professional who is trained. Additionally, certain private ADHD assessment companies offer the option of sharing care arrangements with GPs. This can mean that you only pay for your medication through the NHS.
Reputation
Private companies are being accused of overdiagnosing ADHD in adults, using low-quality assessments and unqualified personnel. BBC Panorama recently highlighted this issue. GPs are advised to refer people who think they might have ADHD to their specialist NHS Adult ADHD services. They should also be aware of the possibility that a person may be misdiagnosed and end up receiving medication they don't need.
Only psychiatrists and ADHD nurses who have been trained in a specific area are able to assess ADHD informally. Counsellors and other mental health professionals can't diagnose ADHD. They can spot signs and provide assistance. If you choose to have a private ADHD assessment, make sure that the psychiatrist or the nurse is registered on the General Medical Council's specialist register. They must be able prescribe medications that are only available when a psychiatric diagnoses has been made.
A thorough ADHD assessment requires a series of appointments, observations and tests. If I Am Psychiatry recommends an ADHD evaluation, choose one with a good reputation. A good provider will take the time to learn about you and the context of your life. You can find a list of approved providers on the NHS website.