How to Pay For a Private ADHD Assessment
ADHD is an illness that is common and can be difficult to control. A clear diagnosis can make all the difference in your life. It is also important to remember that having ADHD doesn't mean you cannot live a successful and fulfilling life.
You can receive a legally recognized diagnosis from a psychiatrist or other "appropriately qualified healthcare professional" [Nice Guidelines]. This includes psychologists.
Cost
You can pay for an individual ADHD assessment through a variety of methods. The Psychiatry UK offers a direct debit monthly option. The payment can also be made via private medical insurances (including Bupa or Aviva). Alternatively you may choose to self-fund your assessment or medication. The Right to Choose scheme allows adults to have ADHD assessments to be funded by the NHS. This scheme allows patients to choose any appropriate clinical provider, provided they have a contract with the Integrated Care Board (ICBC) or NHS England.
You will be evaluated by an expert psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse who is certified to evaluate for ADHD. They are the only healthcare professionals that can diagnose ADHD in the UK in accordance with the Nice guidelines.
During the assessment, you will be asked about your childhood and life in the past to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and their impact on you. The evaluation takes between 45 and 90 minutes.
If the doctor or nurse determines that you have ADHD they will inform you and will discuss treatment options. You don't have to accept the diagnosis. You may ask a different doctor to re-evaluate your symptoms if you're not satisfied with the results.
After the evaluation, your expert will provide you or your GP the written report. The report will include an explanation and the consequences of your symptoms, and an overall treatment plan. This information will be used by your GP to determine what treatment you should receive.
Some GPs will sign a shared care agreement with a private provider, so that you can receive medications through the NHS. This can save you money on the cost of your medication, because you only pay the NHS prescription charge. Certain doctors may not be able to accept this arrangement, so you should be sure to confirm your appointment prior to booking one.
It is worth noting that the NHS will only prescribe medication for adults who have been formally diagnosed with ADHD. If you are diagnosed as an adult suffering from ADHD and you are accountable for the cost of your private assessment and any medication.
Time to wait
According to a report by the charity ADHD Action There is a 'waiting crisis' in the UK for ADHD assessments. According to the charity, a lot of adults wait longer than seven years before they are able to be evaluated. The waiting time can cause anxiety and anger for those suffering from ADHD. It is estimated that 1.5 million people in the UK suffer from the condition.
Some private companies provide ADHD tests that aren't recognised by the NHS. This means you will not be able to access any associated medication through the NHS. If you're considering getting a private assessment for ADHD ensure that the psychiatrist is a member of the General Medical Council and on their specialist register. Also, remember that private diagnoses won't allow you to access any workplace protections that you would otherwise have had with a diagnosis that is recognised by the NHS.
While private companies may have shorter wait times than the NHS but they aren't without issues. BBC's investigation revealed that some private hospitals employ unreliable diagnostic techniques and give incorrect diagnoses. This could lead to serious consequences for patients. GPs are concerned about the current arrangements for ADHD assessment and want more ringfenced funding to improve service.
Despite the fact that a lot of GPs have been overwhelmed by ADHD referrals, it's important to remember that only a specialist is able to diagnose ADHD. More people are choosing to have their ADHD evaluated privately. They can avoid the long wait for diagnosis, and also get an accurate assessment and treatment plan.
A private ADHD evaluation will typically involve an ongoing series of sessions with a psychiatrist as well as a specialist in clinical nursing. This includes an interview, observation, and questionnaires. It is essential to answer these questions honestly and accurately as it will help the Psychiatrist determine if you suffer from ADHD or not. The Psychiatrist writes an assessment report that you can give to your GP.
If your Psychiatrist suggests you should take medication, then you'll have to sign a shared care agreement with your GP. This will mean that you will be responsible for the NHS prescription fee, but your GP will be accountable for renewing the prescription and deciding on future treatments. This isn't always an option and some doctors may 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 important to know what you're facing and the reasons why it is difficult to achieve success in your relationships, work and family life. However, there are a lot of people who struggle to receive an accurate diagnosis, and it's often difficult to find a clinic which will accept them.
Private companies can assist you in reducing the amount of time you wait to get an appointment with a qualified ADHD expert. The typical assessment takes 45 to 90 minutes and consist of an interview and discussion about your symptoms. private adhd assessment adults may also be asked to provide examples from your past to assist in the assessment process. During the appointment, your therapist will assess whether you have the right criteria to receive an ADHD diagnosis.
Private healthcare professionals will not only examine your ADHD symptoms as well as your mental health and any other medical conditions that you may have. This will allow them to determine if you have other disorders which can interfere with ADHD. You must be prepared to discuss these issues before the appointment, as they could affect your treatment.
Many people who have unmanaged ADHD experience problems with their interactions, work and overall well-being. This is due to the fact that untreated ADHD can trigger an inattention and impulsive behavior. It can also cause anxiety, depression and other psychological problems. It is therefore important to seek out a professional diagnosis and treatment immediately.
Today, a lot of adults who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD face long waiting times for NHS assessments. This is due to a logjammed system that has NHS services overwhelmed by referrals. In some instances, it can be up to an entire year before you're taken to an ADHD clinic. This can be a frustrating experience, especially for adults who have struggled for a long time, not knowing the cause of their issues.
Some adults opt to undergo a private ADHD evaluation. Private ADHD assessments are costly however they can provide you with the answers you need and the assurance that you're receiving treatment from a professional. Some private ADHD assessment providers also offer shared care arrangements with doctors. This can mean that your medication will be covered by the NHS.
Reputation
Some private companies are accused of overdiagnosing ADHD in adults, using low-quality assessments and unqualified staff. BBC Panorama recently highlighted this issue. GPs should refer patients who suspect that they be suffering from ADHD to the NHS Adult ADHD service. They must be aware that individuals could be misdiagnosed, and given medication they do not require.
Only psychiatrists and ADHD nurses with specialized training can evaluate ADHD informally. Counsellors and other mental health professionals can't diagnose ADHD. However they can help you recognize the signs and provide support. If you choose to have an individual ADHD assessment, ensure that the psychiatrist or nurse is registered on the General Medical Council's specialist register. They must be able prescribe medications that are only available if an official diagnosis of psychiatric illness has been established.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment will require multiple appointments, observations, and tests. If your GP suggests an ADHD assessment, select a provider with an excellent reputation. A good provider will take time getting to know you, and the context of your everyday life. The NHS website lists approved providers.