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How to Pay For a Private ADHD Assessment ADHD is a condition that is common and can be difficult to manage. cost of private adhd assessment uk can make a huge impact on your life. It is important to remember that having ADHD does not mean that you can't live a happy and fulfilling life. You can get a formal 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 of ways. Psychiatry UK offers a direct debit monthly option. Payments 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, provided they have an agreement 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 assess for ADHD. According to the Nice guidelines, they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK that can diagnose ADHD. During the assessment during the test, you will be asked questions about your childhood and recent life to determine if you have the characteristics for ADHD. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and their impact on you. The evaluation takes between 45 and 90 minutes. If the specialist psychiatrist or nursing staff determines that you have ADHD they will inform you and will discuss treatment options. You do not have accept the diagnosis. If you aren't satisfied with the result, you can contact another medical professional to have your symptoms evaluated again. After the examination the expert will then send you or your GP the written report. The report will include an explanation and the impact of your symptoms, and a comprehensive treatment plan. Your GP can then use this information to determine the best course of treatment for you. Some GPs will agree to a shared care agreement with a private provider, to allow you to receive medications through the NHS. You can save money on your medication by only paying the NHS prescription fee. Some doctors might not be able to take this arrangement, so verify prior to scheduling an appointment. It is important to know that the NHS will only prescribe medication for adults who have been officially diagnosed with ADHD. This means that if you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, you will have to pay for your private assessment and any medication that you need. Time to wait According to a report from the charity ADHD Action There is a “waiting crisis” in the UK for ADHD assessments. The charity says that many adults are waiting for more than seven years for an assessment. The waiting time can cause anxiety and stress for those suffering from ADHD. The condition is believed to affect 1.5 million people in the UK. Some private companies offer ADHD assessments that are not recognized by the NHS. This means you won't be able access any associated medications 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, be aware that private diagnoses will not allow you to access any workplace protections that you would otherwise have had with a diagnosis that is recognised by the NHS. Even though some private companies have lower waiting times than the NHS they do not come without issues. BBC's investigation revealed that some private providers utilize unreliable diagnostic methods and give incorrect diagnoses. This can lead to serious consequences for patients. The GPs are worried about the current arrangements for ADHD assessment and want more ringfenced funds to improve the service. Despite the fact that many GPs are overwhelmed by ADHD referrals, you must be aware that only a specialist has the ability to diagnose ADHD. This is why more and more people opt to consult a private doctor for their ADHD assessment. They will avoid the long wait for an assessment, and receive 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 important to answer these questions honestly and accurately, since this will allow the Psychiatrist to decide whether you have ADHD or not. The Psychiatrist will then write an evaluation that you could present to your GP. If your Psychiatrist suggests that you take medication, you will need to sign a shared-care agreement with your GP. This means that you will be responsible for the NHS prescription cost, however your GP will be accountable for renewing the prescription and deciding on future treatments. This isn't a certain option and some GPs are reluctant to share their services with private patients. Experience A diagnosis of ADHD can aid you in understanding your issues and make steps to overcome them. It is important to know what you're facing and the reasons why it is difficult to achieve success in your work, relationships and family life. However, there are many people who are struggling to get a diagnosis, and it is sometimes difficult to find a medical facility that can treat them. Private providers can help to cut down on waiting times and ensure you have an appointment with a trained ADHD specialist. These assessments usually last 45 to 90 minutes and consist of an interview and discussion about your symptoms. You may also be asked give examples of your past to assist in the assessment process. During the appointment, your therapist will determine whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. Private health professionals will not just examine your ADHD symptoms but also your mental health and any other medical conditions that you might have. This will enable them to determine if there are other conditions that could affect ADHD. You should be ready to discuss these issues prior the appointment as they will impact your treatment. Many people who suffer from untreated ADHD experience problems with their relationships, work, and overall wellbeing. This is due to the fact that untreated ADHD can result in uncontrollable and inattentive behavior. In addition it can result in anxiety, depression and other psychological issues. Therefore, it is crucial to seek out a professional diagnosis and treatment immediately. Currently, many adults who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD are faced with long waiting times for NHS tests. This is due to a logjammed system, with NHS services being overwhelmed by referrals. In some instances, 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 a long time, not knowing what was causing their problems. A few adults opt for an in-person ADHD assessment. Private ADHD assessments can be expensive however they can provide the answers that you need and the assurance that you're being cared for by a professional who is trained. Additionally, some private ADHD assessment companies offer the option of sharing care arrangements with GPs. This can mean that you only pay for your medication through the NHS. Reputation There is a growing concern that some private businesses are overdiagnosing adult ADHD, using poor quality assessments and staff who are not properly trained. This was recently highlighted in a BBC Panorama investigation. GPs are urged to refer patients who suspect they may have ADHD to their specialist NHS Adult ADHD services. They should also be aware of the possibility that a patient may be misdiagnosed and end up receiving medication they don't need. Psychiatrists and specialist ADHD nurses are the only ones who are able to officially assess ADHD. Counsellors and other mental health professionals are not able to diagnose ADHD. They can identify symptoms and provide assistance. If you choose to have an independent ADHD assessment, ensure whether the nurse or psychiatrist is registered with the General Medical Council and on the specialist register. They must be competent to prescribe medication and only with a psychiatric diagnosis. A comprehensive ADHD assessment requires a series of appointments, tests, and observations. If your physician suggests an ADHD assessment, make sure you choose a provider with an excellent reputation. A good provider will spend time getting to know you and the context of your daily life. The NHS website has a list approved providers.