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How to Pay For a Private ADHD Assessment ADHD is an illness that is common and can be difficult to manage. An accurate diagnosis can make a huge difference in your life. It is important to keep in mind that having ADHD does not mean you cannot live a successful and fulfilled life. You can receive an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist or other “appropriately-qualified healthcare professional” (Nice Guidelines). This includes Psychologists. Cost You can pay for an individual ADHD assessment in a variety ways. The Psychiatry UK offers a monthly direct-debit option. Payments can also be made through private medical insurances (including Bupa or Aviva). Alternately, you can choose to self-fund your assessment or medication. NHS funding is available for adult ADHD assessments through the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to select any provider that is clinically appropriate, as long as the Integrated Care Board or NHS England has an agreement with them. You will be assessed by an expert psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse who is trained to assess for ADHD. These are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK according to the Nice guidelines. During the test, you will be asked questions about your childhood and the past to determine if you are in line with the ADHD criteria. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they impact on you. The assessment takes 45 to 90 minutes. If a medical professional or the specialist determines that you have ADHD they will let you know and will discuss treatment options. But, it is important to remember that you don't have to accept the diagnosis. If you disagree with the diagnosis you can consult a different health professional to have your symptoms reassessed. Once your evaluation is completed, the expert will prepare an assessment report and then give it to you or your GP. The report will contain the description and effects of your symptoms and an overall treatment plan. Your GP will then utilize the information to decide on the best treatment plan for you. Some GPs will sign a shared care agreement with a private service provider so that you can receive medication via the NHS. This can reduce the cost of your medication, since you only pay the NHS prescription fee. However, some doctors do not accept this, and it is important to verify before making 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 suffering from ADHD, you will be accountable for the cost of your private assessment and any medication. Time to wait In the UK there is a waiting time crisis in ADHD assessments, according to a report by the charity ADHD Action. The charity claims that a lot of adults are waiting for more than seven years for an assessment. This can lead to anxiety and frustration for those with ADHD. The condition is believed to affect 1.5 million people living in the UK. Private companies may offer ADHD assessments that are not accepted by the NHS. This means you will not be in a position to obtain any medication through the NHS. If you are thinking about taking a private evaluation for ADHD be sure that the psychiatrist is a member of the General Medical Council and on their specialist register. Be aware that a privately diagnosed condition does not provide you with the same protections at work as a diagnosis that is recognised by the NHS. Although some private companies might have shorter wait times than the NHS, they are not free of problems. The BBC's investigation has revealed that some private providers are using inaccurate diagnostic techniques and giving incorrect diagnoses. This could have serious implications for patients. Doctors are concerned that current arrangements for ADHD assessments are not effective, and they want more ring-fenced funds to improve services. Despite the fact that many GPs are overwhelmed with ADHD referrals, you must remember that only a specialist is qualified to diagnose ADHD. This is the reason why more people opt to consult a private doctor for their ADHD assessment. They can avoid the long wait for diagnosis, and also get an accurate assessment and treatment plan. A private ADHD assessment usually involves appointments with the psychiatrist as well as an expert in clinical nursing. It involves an interview, observations and questionnaires. It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and accurately, because this will allow the Psychiatrist to determine whether you have ADHD or not. The Psychiatrist writes a report which you can give to your GP. If a Psychiatrist recommends you take medication, you will need to sign a shared-care agreement with your GP. You will have to pay the NHS prescription cost, but it will be your GP who will renew the prescription and decide on the next treatments. This isn't always the case, and some GPs may be unwilling to share their services with private patients. Experience A diagnosis of ADHD can aid you in understanding your issues and take steps to overcome them. It is essential to know the issues you face and the reasons why it is difficult for you to succeed in your professional, social, and family life. However, there are a lot of people who struggle to receive a diagnosis, and it's often difficult to find a clinic that will take them on. Private services can help you reduce the time it takes to wait and make an appointment with a trained ADHD expert. These tests typically last 45 to 90 minute and include an interview as well as a discussion of your symptoms. You may be asked to give some examples from your past to help in the assessment process. During your appointment, the doctor will determine if you meet the criteria needed to be diagnosed with ADHD. Private health professionals will not just assess your ADHD symptoms but also your mental health and any other issues that you may have. This will enable them to determine if you have other disorders that can hinder ADHD. You should be prepared to discuss these issues prior the appointment because they will affect your treatment. Many people who have unmanaged ADHD have issues with their work, relationships, and overall wellbeing. If not treated, ADHD can lead to impulsive and inattentive behavior. Additionally it can cause anxiety, depression, and other psychological difficulties. It is therefore crucial to seek out a professional diagnosis and treatment immediately. Currently, adults who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD are facing long waiting times at the NHS. The NHS is swamped with referrals, which results in a jammed system. In some cases, it can be up to one year before you're taken to an ADHD clinic. This can be a frustrating experience especially for those who have been struggling for years without knowing the cause of their problems. Some adults opt to undergo an in-person ADHD evaluation. Private ADHD assessments can be costly, but they can provide the answers that you need and the confidence that you are being treated by a trained professional. In addition, some private ADHD assessment companies offer a shared care arrangement with GPs, which can mean that you pay for your medication through the NHS. Reputation Private companies are being accused of overdiagnosing ADHD in adults, using low-quality tests and staff who are not qualified. BBC Panorama recently highlighted this issue. GPs are urged to refer patients who believe they might have ADHD to their specialist NHS Adult ADHD services. They should be aware of the possibility that someone may be misdiagnosed and end up receiving medication they don't need. Only psychiatrists and ADHD nurses with specialized training can evaluate ADHD in a formal manner. Other mental health professionals, like counsellors, cannot diagnose. They can spot signs and provide assistance. If you opt to take an individual ADHD assessment, make sure that the psychiatrist or nurse is registered with the General Medical Council and on the specialist register. They must be competent to prescribe medication that is only available with the diagnosis of psychiatric illness. private adhd assessments requires several appointments, tests, and observations. If your GP recommends an ADHD assessment, choose one with a good reputation. A good provider will take the time to learn about you and the nuances of your life. You can find the list of approved providers on the NHS website.