How to Pay For a Private ADHD Assessment
ADHD is a common condition that isn't easy to manage. A clear diagnosis can make a huge difference in your life. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD does not mean that you can't live a fulfilling life.
You can get a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist or any other "appropriately-qualified healthcare professional" (Nice Guidelines). This includes psychologists.
Cost
You can pay for your personal ADHD evaluation using a variety of different methods. The Psychiatry UK offers the option of a monthly direct debit and payments can be made via private medical insurance (including Bupa and Aviva). Alternately, you can choose to self-fund your assessment or prescription. The Right to Choose scheme allows adult ADHD assessments to be paid for by the NHS. This scheme permits patients to select any clinically-appropriate provider as long as they have an agreement with the Integrated Care Board (ICBC) or NHS England.
You will be assessed by a specialist psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse who is certified to evaluate for ADHD. According to the Nice guidelines, they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK that can diagnose ADHD.
During the assessment during the test, you will be asked questions about your childhood as well as your current life to determine if you are a candidate for ADHD. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and the impact they have on you. The test takes between 45 and 90 minutes.
If the medical professional or the specialist determines that you have ADHD they will let you know and will discuss treatment options. There is no obligation to accept the diagnosis. You can consult with a different doctor to examine your symptoms if you're not satisfied with the results.
After the evaluation the expert will then provide you or your GP an written report. The report will contain a description of your symptoms and how they impact and an agreed holistic treatment plan. This information can be utilized by your GP to decide what treatment you will receive.
Some GPs are willing to enter into a shared care agreement so that you receive your medication via the NHS. You can save money on your medication by paying the NHS prescription cost. However, some GPs do not agree to this, and it is important to verify before making an appointment.
The NHS will only prescribe ADHD medication to adults who have had an official diagnosis. This means that if diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, you'll need to pay for your personal assessment and any medication you require.
Waiting time
In the UK there is a 'waiting time crisis in ADHD assessments according to a report by the charity ADHD Action. According to the charity, a lot of people wait for more than seven years before they are able to be evaluated. This can lead to anxiety and frustration for those with ADHD. The condition is believed to be affecting 1.5 million people in the UK.
Some private companies offer ADHD assessment that is not recognized 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 taking a private evaluation 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 won't allow you to access any workplace protections you could have with a NHS-recognized diagnosis.
While some private businesses have shorter waiting times than the NHS they are not without problems. BBC's investigation revealed that some private providers use unreliable diagnostic methods and provide incorrect diagnoses. This could have serious implications for patients. GPs are concerned that the current arrangements for ADHD assessments are not working and are seeking more ring-fenced funding to enhance services.
Despite the fact many GPs are overwhelmed by ADHD referrals, it is important to keep in mind that only a specialist is qualified to diagnose ADHD. This is why more people are choosing to go private for their ADHD assessment. They can avoid long waits to receive a diagnosis and also get a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
A private ADHD evaluation is typically a series sessions with a psychiatrist as well as an expert in clinical nursing. This includes an interview, observation and questionnaires. It is essential to answer these questions honestly and accurately, since this will help the Psychiatrist determine whether you have ADHD or not. The Psychiatrist writes an evaluation report, which you may send to your GP.
If a Psychiatrist recommends you be prescribed medication, you will have to sign a shared care agreement with your GP. This will mean that you will be responsible for the NHS prescription charge, but your GP will be responsible for renewing the prescription and deciding on the next treatments. It is not a sure choice, and some doctors aren't keen to share their medical information with private patients.
Experience
A diagnosis of ADHD can aid you in understanding your issues and make steps to overcome them. It is important to understand the issues you face and the reasons you are unable to be successful in your work, relationships, or in your family life. Many people struggle to be diagnosed and it is difficult to find a medical facility that will accept them.
Private companies can help you reduce the time it takes to wait and make an appointment with a qualified ADHD expert. These assessments usually last 45 to 90 minutes and include an interview and discussion of your issues. You might be asked to provide examples from your past to assist in the assessment process. During your appointment, the doctor will determine whether you meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD.
Private healthcare professionals will not only evaluate your ADHD symptoms but also your mental health and any other medical conditions that you may be suffering from. This will enable them to determine if there are any other conditions that could hinder ADHD. You should be prepared to discuss these issues prior the appointment as they will impact your treatment.
Unmanaged ADHD can cause problems in the workplace, in relationships, and overall wellbeing. This is due to the fact that untreated ADHD can cause an inattention and impulsive behavior. Moreover, it can lead to anxiety, depression and other psychological issues. It is therefore crucial to seek proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as you notice any.
Currently, adults who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD are faced with long wait times at NHS. This is due to a slow system and NHS services being overwhelmed by referrals. In some cases it could take up to a year before you are seen by an ADHD clinic. This can be very frustrating for adults who have struggled for a long time, but haven't been able to pinpoint the reason behind their struggles.
This is why some adults choose to seek an individual ADHD assessment. Private ADHD assessments can be costly however they can provide you with the answers you require and the peace of mind that you are being treated by a trained professional. Some private ADHD assessment companies also offer shared health care agreements with GPs. This can mean that your medication is covered by the NHS.
Reputation
There is growing concern that some private businesses are systematically diagnosing adult ADHD, using poor quality assessments and unqualified staff. 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 be aware of the risk that a person may be misdiagnosed and end up receiving medications they don't require.
Psychiatrists and specialists ADHD nurses are the only people who can formally assess ADHD. Other mental health professionals, like counsellors, are not able to give a diagnosis. They can spot signs and provide assistance. If you opt 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 medication which is only available after a psychiatric diagnoses is made.
A thorough ADHD assessment will require several appointments, tests, and observations. If your doctor recommends an ADHD assessment, select a provider with an excellent reputation. A reputable provider will spend time getting to know you and the context of your daily life. Highly recommended Resource site can find an approved list of providers on the NHS website.