How to Pay For a Private ADHD Assessment
ADHD is a common condition that is difficult to manage. Accurate diagnosis can make all the difference in your life. It is crucial to remember that ADHD does not mean that you cannot lead a successful life.
You can obtain a formal recognised diagnosis from a Psychiatrist or other "appropriately qualified healthcare professional" [Nice Guidelines]. This includes Psychologists.
Cost
You can pay for a private ADHD assessment in a variety ways. Psychiatry UK offers a monthly direct debit option. Payment can also be made via private medical insurances (including Bupa or Aviva). You can also choose 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 so long as they have an agreement with the Integrated Care Board (ICBC) or NHS England.
You will be assessed by specialist psychiatrists or a specialist ADHD nurse who has been trained to evaluate for ADHD. These are the only healthcare professionals that can diagnose ADHD in the UK, according to the Nice guidelines.
During the assessment, you will be asked questions about your childhood and life in the past to determine if you are in line with the ADHD criteria. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and their impact on you. The test will last between 45 to 90 minutes.
If a medical professional or the specialist determines that you suffer from ADHD they will let you know and discuss your treatment options. You don't have to accept the diagnosis. You can consult with a different doctor to examine your symptoms if you are not satisfied with the results.
After your examination is completed the doctor will create an assessment report and then give it to you or your GP. It will include a detailed description of your symptoms and the impact they have on you, as well as an agreed-upon holistic treatment plan. Your GP can then make use of this 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 through the NHS. You can save money on your prescriptions by only paying the NHS prescription fee. However, some GPs aren't in agreement with this, so it is essential to confirm this prior to booking an appointment.
The NHS will only prescribe ADHD medication to adults who have been given a formal diagnosis. If you are diagnosed as an adult with ADHD and you are responsible for paying for your own assessment and any medication.
Time to wait
In the UK, there is a "waiting time crisis waiting time crisis for ADHD assessments according to a report by the charity ADHD Action. According to the charity, many adults are waiting for more than seven years before they can be assessed. The wait times are creating anxiety and frustration for those who suffer from ADHD. private adhd assessment cost is believed to be affecting 1.5 million people in the UK.
Private companies may offer ADHD tests that aren't recognized by the NHS. This means you won't be in a position to access the associated medications through the NHS. If you're considering getting a private assessment for ADHD, make sure that the psychiatrist is an official member of the General Medical Council and on their specialist register. Be aware that a condition that is diagnosed privately does not provide you with the same protections in your workplace as a diagnosis accepted by the NHS.
While some private companies may have shorter wait times than the NHS however, they are not without problems. The BBC's investigation found that some private providers are using inaccurate diagnostic techniques and are delivering incorrect diagnoses. This can lead to serious consequences for patients. The GPs are worried about the current arrangements for ADHD assessment and would like to see more ringfenced funds to improve services.
Despite the fact many GPs are overwhelmed with ADHD referrals, you must be aware that only a specialist is qualified to diagnose ADHD. Many people are choosing to have their ADHD evaluated privately. They will not have to wait long for a diagnoses and get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
A private ADHD assessment is usually appointments with the psychiatrist and a clinical nurse specialist. This could include an interview, observations, and questionnaires. It is essential to answer these questions honestly and accurately, because this will allow the Psychiatrist to decide whether you have ADHD or not. The Psychiatrist will then write an evaluation report, which you may send to your GP.
If the Psychiatrist recommends that you take medication, you will need to sign a shared-care agreement with your GP. You'll have to pay the NHS prescription cost, but it is your GP who will renew the prescription and decide on future treatments. This isn't always an option as some GPs might be unwilling to share their services with private patients.
Experience
A diagnosis of ADHD can help you understand your challenges and make steps to overcome them. It is essential to know the issues you face and why it is hard for you to succeed in your professional, social and family life. Many struggle to be diagnosed, and it can be difficult to find a clinic that will accept them.
Private providers can help you cut down on your waiting time and get an appointment with a certified ADHD expert. These tests typically last 45 to 90 minute and include an interview, as well as an assessment of your symptoms. You may be asked to share examples of your life in order to aid the assessment process. During the appointment, your clinician will assess whether you are able to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.
In addition to assessing the symptoms of ADHD, private healthcare professionals will also look at your mental health history as well as any other medical conditions you might have. This will help them determine if you suffer from any other conditions that could hinder your ADHD. You should be prepared to discuss these issues prior the appointment because they could affect your treatment.
Unmanaged ADHD can create problems in the workplace, with relationships, and with overall wellbeing. This is due to the fact that untreated ADHD can trigger uncontrollable and inattentive behavior. In addition it can result in depression, anxiety and other psychological issues. This is why it is important to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
Currently, many adults who would like to be diagnosed with ADHD face long waiting times for NHS tests. The NHS is flooded with referrals, leading to a clogged system. In some instances, it can be up to a year before you are taken to an ADHD clinic. This can be very frustrating for adults who have struggled for a long time without knowing the reason behind their struggles.
A few adults opt for an individual ADHD evaluation. Private ADHD assessments can be expensive however they can provide the answers that you need and the confidence that you're being treated by a professional who is trained. Additionally, certain private ADHD assessment providers offer an arrangement for shared care with GPs, which can mean that you pay for your medication through the NHS.
Reputation
There is growing concern that some private businesses are systematically diagnosing adult ADHD, using poor quality assessments and under qualified staff. BBC Panorama recently highlighted this issue. Doctors should refer patients who suspect they may be suffering from ADHD to the NHS Adult ADHD service. They must be aware that patients may be misdiagnosed and given medication they do not need.
Psychiatrists and specialist ADHD nurses are the only ones who can officially evaluate ADHD. Other mental health professionals, including counsellors, are not able to provide a diagnosis. They can identify symptoms and offer support. If you opt to take a private ADHD assessment, check that the psychiatrist or nurse is registered with the General Medical Council and on the specialist register. They must be able to prescribe medication that is only available with an psychiatric diagnosis.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment will require several appointments, tests, and observations. If your physician recommends an ADHD assessment, make sure you choose one with a good reputation. A reputable provider will spend time to learn about you and the nuances of your life. The NHS website has a list approved providers.