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How to Pay For a Private ADHD Assessment ADHD is a condition that is prevalent and is difficult to control. An accurate diagnosis can make all the difference in your life. It is important to remember that having ADHD does not mean you can't live a happy and fulfilled life. You can get an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist or any other “appropriately-qualified healthcare professional” (Nice Guidelines). This includes Psychologists. Cost You can pay for a private ADHD assessment through a variety of methods. The Psychiatry-UK website offers the option of a monthly direct debit and the payment can be made through private medical insurance (including Bupa and Aviva). Alternatively you may choose to fund your assessment on your own or take medication. NHS funding is available for adults ADHD assessments through the Right to Choose scheme, which permits patients to select any clinically appropriate provider, provided that the Integrated Care Board or NHS England has a contract with them. You will be assessed either by psychiatrists or an ADHD nurse specialist who has been trained to assess ADHD. These are the only healthcare professionals able to diagnose ADHD in the UK according to the Nice guidelines. During the test during the assessment, you will be asked questions about your childhood and current life in order 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 assessment will take around 45 to 90 minutes. If a specialist psychiatrist or nurse discovers that you have ADHD they will inform you this and discuss treatment options with you. But, it is important to remember that you don't have to accept this diagnosis. You can ask another 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 an written report. The report will include an explanation and the consequences of your symptoms, and a comprehensive treatment plan. This information can be utilized by your GP to decide what treatment you should get. Some GPs will sign a shared-care agreement with a private service provider in order to provide medication through the NHS. This could save you money on the cost of your medication, since you only pay for the NHS prescription fee. However, some GPs aren't in agreement with this, so it is important to check before booking an appointment. It is worth noting that the NHS will only prescribe medication for adults who have been officially diagnosed with ADHD. If you are diagnosed as an adult with ADHD, you will be responsible for paying for your private assessment as well any medication. Time to wait In the UK, there is a 'waiting time crisis waiting time crisis for ADHD assessments According to a study from the charity ADHD Action. According to the charity, a majority of adults wait more than seven years before they can be evaluated. The wait times are creating anxiety and frustration for those who suffer from ADHD. It is estimated that 1.5 million people in the UK are affected by the condition. Some private companies offer ADHD assessment that isn't recognized by the NHS. This means that you won't be eligible to access any medications through the NHS. If you're thinking about an assessment privately for ADHD be sure that the psychiatrist is registered with the General Medical Council. Also, remember that private diagnoses will not allow you to use any workplace protections you would have with a NHS-recognized diagnosis. Although some private companies have shorter waiting times than the NHS they do not come free of problems. The BBC's investigation found that some private providers are using unreliable diagnostic techniques and are delivering incorrect diagnoses. This can have serious consequences for patients. Doctors are concerned about the current arrangements for ADHD assessment and would like to see more ringfenced funding to improve service. Despite the fact many GPs are overwhelmed with ADHD referrals, you should be aware that only a specialist is qualified to diagnose ADHD. More people are opting to have their ADHD evaluated privately. They will avoid the long waiting times for an assessment, and receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. A private ADHD assessment usually involves a series of appointments with the psychiatrist as well as a clinical nurse specialist. It involves an interview, observation and questionnaires. It is important to answer these questions honestly and accurately as this will allow the Psychiatrist to determine if you suffer from ADHD or not. The Psychiatrist will then write an evaluation that you could present 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 have to pay the NHS prescription cost, but it will be your GP who will renew your prescription and decide on future treatments. This isn't always an option as some GPs might be reluctant to share their care with private patients. Experience A diagnosis of ADHD can help you understand your challenges and make steps to overcome them. It is important to understand what you're up against and why you struggle to be successful in your work, relationships and in your personal life. Many struggle to be diagnosed and it is difficult to find a medical facility who will take them in. Private services are a method to reduce your waiting times and ensure that you have an appointment with a trained ADHD specialist. These assessments typically take 45 to 90 minutes and include an interview and discussion of your issues. You might be asked to provide examples of your life to help in the assessment process. During your appointment, the clinician will determine whether you meet the criteria needed to be diagnosed with ADHD. Private health professionals will not just examine your ADHD symptoms as well as your mental health and any other medical conditions that you may be suffering from. This will help them determine if you suffer from other disorders that can hinder your ADHD. You should be ready to discuss these issues prior the appointment since they can affect your treatment. Untreated ADHD can create problems in the workplace, in relationships, and also with general well-being. Untreated ADHD can cause an inattention and impulsive behavior. In addition, it can lead to depression, anxiety and other psychological problems. Therefore, it is important to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment as quickly as you can. Presently, many adults who want to be diagnosed with ADHD have long waiting times for NHS assessments. The NHS is flooded with referrals, leading to a clogged system. In cost of private adhd assessment uk , it can be up to an entire year before you're examined by an ADHD clinic. This can be frustrating for adults who have struggled for a long time, but haven't been able to pinpoint the cause of their problems. This is the reason that some adults choose to seek an independent ADHD assessment. Private ADHD assessments are costly, but can give you the answers you require and the assurance that you're being treated by a qualified professional. Certain private ADHD assessment providers also offer shared treatment arrangements with GPs. This could mean that your medication is only 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 they may have ADHD to the NHS Adult ADHD service. They should be aware of the possibility that someone may be misdiagnosed and end up receiving medication they don't need. Psychiatrists and specialists ADHD nurses are the only professionals who can formally assess ADHD. Counsellors and other mental health professionals cannot diagnose ADHD. They can spot signs and provide assistance. If you decide to get an individual ADHD assessment, check that the psychiatrist or nurse is registered with the General Medical Council and on the specialist register. They must be able prescribe medication which is only available after the diagnosis of psychiatric disorder has been established. A thorough ADHD assessment requires several appointments, observations and tests. If your doctor recommends an ADHD assessment, make sure you choose one with a good reputation. A good provider will spend time to learn about you and the circumstances of your life. You can find a list of approved providers on the NHS website.