How to Pay For a Private ADHD Assessment
ADHD is an illness that is common and is difficult to control. A clear diagnosis can make a big impact on your life. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD does not mean that you can't live a fulfilling life.
You can obtain a formal acknowledged diagnosis from a Psychiatrist or other "appropriately qualified healthcare professional" [Nice Guidelines[Nice Guidelines]. This includes psychologists.
Cost
You can pay for your private ADHD evaluation using a variety of different options. Psychiatry UK offers a monthly direct debit option. The payment can also be made through private medical insurances (including Bupa or Aviva). Alternately, you can choose to pay for your assessment yourself or prescription. NHS funding is available for adult ADHD assessments under the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to select any medically qualified provider in the event that the Integrated Care Board or NHS England has signed a contract with them.
You will be evaluated by a specialist psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse who is trained to assess for ADHD. According to the Nice guidelines, these are the only healthcare professionals in the UK that can diagnose ADHD.
During the assessment you will be asked questions about your childhood and life in the recent past to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria. You will also be asked questions about your symptoms and how they affect you. The test will last between 45 to 90 minutes.
If a doctor or nurse determines that you have ADHD they will inform you and provide you with treatment options. You don't have to accept the diagnosis. If you disagree with the result you may contact a different health professional to get your symptoms reviewed.
Once your evaluation is completed, the expert will write an evaluation report and deliver it to you or your GP. The report will include an explanation and the consequences of your symptoms, as well an agreed holistic treatment plan. Your GP can then utilize this information to decide on a course of treatment for you.
Some GPs will sign a shared care agreement with a private healthcare provider so that you can receive medication through the NHS. This could reduce the cost of your medication since you only pay the NHS prescription fee. However, some doctors do not agree to this, so it's important to verify before making an appointment.
It is worth noting that the NHS will only prescribe medication to adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This means that if diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, you will have to pay for your personal assessment and any medication that you need.
Waiting time
According to a study by the charity ADHD Action, there is a 'waiting crisis' in the UK for ADHD assessments. According to the charity, a lot of people wait for longer than seven years before they are able to be evaluated. The long wait times are causing anxiety and frustration for people who suffer from ADHD. The condition is thought to be affecting 1.5 million people in the UK.
Private companies can provide ADHD assessment that isn't recognized by the NHS. This means you will not be eligible to receive any medication through the NHS. If you're thinking of getting a private assessment for ADHD be sure that the psychiatrist is an official member of the General Medical Council and on their specialist register. Also, be aware that the private diagnosis does not permit you to access any workplace protections that you could have with an NHS-recognised diagnosis.
Even though some private companies have shorter waiting times than the NHS they're not without issues. BBC's investigation revealed that private companies use unreliable diagnostic methods and provide incorrect diagnoses. This could have grave consequences for patients. Doctors are concerned about the current arrangements for ADHD assessment and want more ringfenced funding to improve services.
Despite the fact that many GPs are overwhelmed with ADHD referrals, you must keep in mind that only a specialist has the ability to diagnose ADHD. More people are choosing to have their ADHD assessed privately. They will not have to wait long to receive a diagnosis and also get an precise diagnosis and treatment plan.
A private ADHD assessment usually involves an appointment with the psychiatrist as well as a specialist in clinical nursing. This may include an interview, observation, and questionnaires. Answering these questions correctly and truthfully will allow the Psychiatrist to determine whether or not you have ADHD. The Psychiatrist writes an assessment report that you can send to your GP.
If the Psychiatrist recommends that you take medication, you will need to sign a shared-care agreement with your GP. This means that you pay the NHS prescription fee, but your GP will be accountable for renewing the prescription and deciding on future treatments. This is not always an option as some GPs might be reluctant to share their medical information with private patients.
Experience
A diagnosis of ADHD can help you understand your challenges and help you overcome them. It is crucial to understand the issues you face and why it is challenging to be successful in your relationships, work, and family life. However, 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 can help to cut down on waiting times and ensure that you get an appointment with a trained ADHD specialist. The typical assessment takes 45 to 90 minutes and include an interview and an assessment of your symptoms. You may be asked to give examples from your past to assist in the assessment process. During the appointment, your doctor will assess whether you are able to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.
Private healthcare professionals will not only evaluate your ADHD symptoms but also your mental health and any other medical conditions that you may have. This will help them determine if you suffer from other conditions that could hinder your ADHD. It is important to discuss these issues prior the appointment since they can affect your treatment.
Many people who have unmanaged ADHD experience problems with their relationships, work, and overall wellbeing. If not treated, ADHD can cause uncontrollable and inattentional behavior. It can also cause anxiety, depression and other psychological problems. It is therefore crucial to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment right away.
Presently, adults who want to be diagnosed with ADHD are faced with long wait times at the NHS. The NHS is flooded with referrals, resulting in a clogged system. In some instances, it can be up to a year before you are seen by an ADHD clinic. This can be very frustrating for those who have struggled for a long time without knowing the cause of their problems.
This is why some adults opt to have a private ADHD assessment. Private ADHD assessments can be costly, but can give you the answers you need and the peace of mind that you're receiving treatment from a professional. Certain private ADHD assessment providers also provide shared health care agreements with GPs. This could mean that your medication will be covered by the NHS.
Reputation
Private companies are being accused of overdiagnosing ADHD in adults, using low-quality assessments and unqualified staff. BBC Panorama recently highlighted this issue. Doctors are advised to refer people who think they might have ADHD to their specialist NHS Adult ADHD services. They must be aware that patients could be misdiagnosed, and given medications they don't need.
Psychiatrists and specialist ADHD nurses are the only professionals who can officially evaluate ADHD. Other mental health professionals, such as counsellors, can't diagnose. However they can help you recognize the symptoms and offer support. If you decide to undergo an in-person ADHD assessment, ensure that the psychiatrist or nurse is on the General Medical Council's specialist register. They must be able prescribe medications that are only available if the diagnosis of psychiatric disorder has been established.
A complete ADHD assessment will require several appointments, observations, and tests. If your physician suggests an ADHD assessment, choose a service with a stellar reputation. I Am Psychiatry will spend time getting to know you and the context of your everyday life. You can find an approved list of providers on the NHS website.