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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. Accurate diagnosis can make all the difference in your life. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD doesn't mean you are not able to live a full and fulfilling life. You can obtain a formal acknowledged diagnosis from a Psychiatrist or other “appropriately qualified healthcare professional” [Nice Guidelines]. This includes psychologists. Cost You can pay for your personal ADHD evaluation using a variety of different ways. Psychiatry UK offers a monthly direct debit option. Payment is also possible through private medical insurances (including Bupa or Aviva). You can also choose to finance your own assessment or prescription. try what he says to Choose scheme allows adult ADHD assessments to be financed by the NHS. This scheme permits patients to select any clinically-appropriate provider as long as they have an agreement with the Integrated Care Board (ICBC) or NHS England. You will be evaluated by a specialist psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse who is certified to evaluate for ADHD. These are the only healthcare professionals able to diagnose ADHD in the UK in accordance with the Nice guidelines. During the test, you will be asked questions about your childhood and recent life to determine whether you have the characteristics for ADHD. You will also be asked 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 suffer from ADHD they will let you know and provide you with treatment options. But, it is important to remember that you do not need to accept this 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 a report and send it to you or your GP. The report will contain a description and impact of your symptoms, as well an agreed holistic treatment plan. Your GP will then use this information to determine the best course of treatment for you. Some doctors are willing to sign a shared care agreement so that you receive your medication through the NHS. You can save money on your medication by paying the NHS prescription fee. Some doctors might not be able to take this arrangement, so verify prior to scheduling an appointment. The NHS will only prescribe ADHD medication to adults who have received an official diagnosis. If you are diagnosed as an adult suffering from ADHD and you are accountable for the cost of your private assessment as well any medication. Waiting time According to a study by the charity ADHD Action There is a “waiting crisis” in the UK for ADHD assessments. According to the charity, many people wait for more than seven years before they can be evaluated. The waiting time can cause anxiety and frustration for those with ADHD. It is estimated that 1.5 million people in the UK suffer from the condition. Some private companies offer ADHD assessments that are not recognised by the NHS. This means that you won't 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 an official 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 recognised by the NHS. While some private businesses have lower waiting times than the NHS they are not without problems. The BBC's investigation found that private companies utilize unreliable diagnostic methods and provide incorrect diagnoses. This could have grave consequences for patients. Doctors are concerned that current arrangements for ADHD assessments aren't effective, and they want more ring-fenced funding to improve services. Despite the fact that a lot of GPs have been overwhelmed by ADHD referrals, it's important to remember that only a specialist is able to diagnose ADHD. This is why more and more people are choosing to go private for their ADHD assessment. They will not have to endure the long waiting times for diagnosis, and also get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. A private ADHD evaluation will typically involve an ongoing series of sessions with a psychiatrist as well as a clinical nursing specialist. This involves an interview, observations and questionnaires. Being able to answer these questions accurately and honestly will help the Psychiatrist determine if or not you have ADHD. The Psychiatrist then writes an evaluation report, which you may provide to your GP. If the Psychiatrist recommends that you take medication, you'll be required to sign a shared-care agreement with your GP. You'll have to pay the NHS prescription fee, but it is your GP who will renew the prescription and determine the next treatments. This is not a guaranteed option, and some GPs are reluctant to share care with private patients. Experience A diagnosis of ADHD can help you understand your struggles and take steps to overcome them. It is important to understand what you're facing and why you struggle to be successful in your work, relationships or in your personal life. Many people struggle to get diagnosed and it is difficult to find a clinic that will accept them. Private services can help you cut down on the time it takes to wait and make an appointment with a trained ADHD expert. These assessments usually take 45 to 90 minutes and include an interview as well as a discussion of your symptoms. You may also be asked provide examples from your past to help with the assessment process. During your appointment, the therapist will determine if you meet the criteria needed to be diagnosed with ADHD. In addition to evaluating the symptoms of ADHD, private healthcare professionals will also examine your mental health history as well as any other health issues you might have. This will enable them to determine if there are other disorders which can interfere with ADHD. You must be prepared to discuss these issues prior the appointment, since they will affect your treatment. Many people who have unmanaged ADHD have issues with their work, relationships and overall well-being. Untreated ADHD can lead to an inattention and impulsive behavior. It can also result in anxiety, depression and other psychological issues. It is therefore important to seek proper diagnosis and treatment immediately. Presently, many adults who would like to be diagnosed with ADHD face long wait times for NHS tests. The NHS is overwhelmed with referrals, resulting in a jammed system. It could take up to one year to see an ADHD clinic. This can be frustrating particularly for adults who have struggled for a long time without being aware of the root cause of their issues. This is the reason why many adults opt to have an individual ADHD assessment. Private ADHD assessments can be costly however they can provide the answers you require and the peace of mind that you are being treated by a qualified professional. Some private ADHD assessment providers also provide shared care arrangements with doctors. This can mean that your medication is covered by the NHS. Reputation Some private companies are accused of overdiagnosing ADHD in adults, using low-quality assessments and unqualified personnel. BBC Panorama recently highlighted this issue. GPs should refer patients who suspect that they be suffering from ADHD to the NHS Adult ADHD service. They should also be aware of the possibility that someone could be misdiagnosed and receive medications they don't require. Only psychiatrists and ADHD nurses with specialized training can assess ADHD formally. Other mental health professionals, like counsellors, are not able to provide a diagnosis. However they can help you identify the symptoms and offer support. If you choose to have a private ADHD evaluation, make sure that the psychiatrist or the nurse is on the General Medical Council's specialist register. They must be able to prescribe medication that is only available after the diagnosis of psychiatric disorder has been established. A complete ADHD assessment will require a number of appointments, observations, and tests. If your GP suggests an ADHD assessment, choose a provider with an excellent reputation. A reputable provider will take the time to get to know you and the nuances of your life. You can find the list of approved providers on the NHS website.