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How to Pay For a Private ADHD Assessment ADHD is a condition that is common that isn't easy to manage. Getting an accurate diagnosis can make a significant impact on your life. It is also important to remember that having ADHD does not mean you cannot live a successful and fulfilled life. You can receive a legally acknowledged 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. Psychiatry-UK offers the option of a monthly direct debit, and payment can also be made through private medical insurance (including Bupa and Aviva). Alternatively you may choose to fund your assessment on your own or prescription. The Right to Choose scheme allows adult ADHD assessments to be financed by the NHS. This scheme allows patients to choose any clinically appropriate provider, provided they have a contract with the Integrated Care Board (ICBC) or NHS England. You will be evaluated by specialist psychiatrists or a specialist ADHD nurse who has been trained to evaluate for ADHD. According to the Nice guidelines, these are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are able to diagnose ADHD. During the test, you will be asked questions about your childhood and the recent past to determine if you satisfy the ADHD criteria. You will also be asked questions about your symptoms and how they affect you. The examination will take between 45 to 90 minutes. If a specialist psychiatrist or nursing staff determines that you have ADHD they will inform you and provide you with treatment options. You do not have accept the diagnosis. You may ask a different doctor to examine your symptoms if not satisfied with the results. After the evaluation the expert will then send you or your GP a written report. It will include a detailed description of your symptoms and how they impact, as well as an agreed upon holistic treatment plan. Your GP will then utilize this information to decide on a course of treatment for you. Some GPs are willing join a shared-care agreement that allows you to receive your medication through the NHS. You can save money on your medication by paying the NHS prescription cost. Some GPs may not accept this arrangement, so verify prior to scheduling 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 will have to pay for your personal assessment and any medication you require. Time to wait 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 assessed. The waiting time can cause anxiety and frustration for those with ADHD. It is estimated that 1.5 million people in the UK are affected by the condition. Private companies can provide ADHD assessment that isn't recognized by the NHS. This means that you won't not be able to access any associated medication through the NHS. If you're thinking of taking a private evaluation for ADHD ensure that the psychiatrist is a member of the General Medical Council and on their specialist register. Also, remember that a private diagnosis won't allow you to access any workplace protections that you would otherwise have had with an NHS-recognised diagnosis. While some private businesses have lower waiting times than the NHS they do not come without issues. The BBC's investigation revealed that some private providers are using inaccurate diagnostic techniques and giving incorrect diagnoses. This could have grave consequences for patients. GPs are concerned that the current arrangements for ADHD assessments aren't working, and want more ring-fenced funds to improve services. Despite the fact many GPs are overwhelmed with ADHD referrals, it is important to be aware that only a specialist is qualified to diagnose ADHD. Many people are choosing to have their ADHD assessed by a private doctor. They can avoid the long waits for an assessment, and receive an accurate assessment and treatment plan. A private ADHD assessment will usually involve a series appointments with a psychiatrist and a clinical nursing specialist. This involves an interview, observations, and questionnaires. It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and accurately because it will help the Psychiatrist determine if you suffer from ADHD or not. The Psychiatrist then will write an evaluation that you could present to your GP. If the Psychiatrist recommends that you take medication, you will be required to sign a shared care agreement with your GP. This means that you will be responsible for the NHS prescription cost, however your GP is responsible for renewing the prescription and deciding on the next treatments. This isn't a certain option and some GPs aren't keen to share their medical information with private patients. Experience A diagnosis of ADHD can aid you in understanding your issues and take steps to overcome them. It is important to understand what you're facing and the reasons you are unable to succeed in your work, relationships and in your family life. Many people struggle to be diagnosed and it is difficult to find a clinic that will accept them. Private services are a method to speed up your waiting time and ensure that you have an appointment with a certified ADHD specialist. The typical assessment takes 45 to 90 minutes and consist of an interview and discussion about your symptoms. You might also be asked to provide examples from your previous experience to help with the assessment process. During your appointment, the therapist will determine whether you meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. In addition to evaluating the traits of ADHD Private healthcare professionals will also look at your mental health history and any other medical conditions you might have. This will allow them to determine if there are any other conditions that could interfere with ADHD. You must be prepared to discuss these issues prior to the appointment, since they can affect the treatment you receive. Many people with untreated ADHD have issues with their interactions, work and overall well-being. If not treated, ADHD can lead to uncontrollable and inattentional behavior. It can also cause depression, anxiety and other psychological problems. This is why it is crucial to seek a diagnosis and treatment as quickly as you can. Currently, adults who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD have long wait times at NHS. The NHS is overwhelmed with referrals, resulting in a jammed system. In some instances, it can be up to an entire year before you're taken to an ADHD clinic. This can be frustrating especially for those who have struggled for a long time, not knowing the cause of their issues. A few adults opt for an individual ADHD evaluation. private adhd assessment can be expensive however they can provide the answers you require and the peace of mind that you're being cared for by a qualified professional. Additionally, some private ADHD assessment providers have an arrangement for shared care with GPs. This could mean that you only pay for your medication through the NHS. Reputation There is growing concern that some private companies are proving that adults have ADHD, using poor quality assessments and under qualified staff. This was recently highlighted in a BBC Panorama investigation. GPs are urged to refer patients who suspect they might have ADHD to their specialist NHS Adult ADHD services. They should be aware that people might be misdiagnosed, or given medications they do not require. Only psychiatrists and ADHD nurses who have been trained in a specific area can evaluate ADHD informally. Other mental health professionals, like counsellors, can't diagnose. However they can help you identify the signs and provide support. If you decide to undergo an individual ADHD evaluation, make sure that the psychiatrist or nurse is registered on the General Medical Council's specialist register. They must be competent to prescribe medication and only with the diagnosis of psychiatric illness. A complete ADHD assessment will require several appointments as well as tests, observations, and appointments. If your doctor recommends an ADHD assessment, select one with a good reputation. A good provider will spend time to learn about you and the nuances of your life. You can find the list of approved providers on the NHS website.