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How to Pay For a Private ADHD Assessment ADHD is a common condition that can be difficult to manage. A clear diagnosis can make all the difference in your life. It is important to remember that having ADHD doesn't mean you cannot live a successful and fulfilling life. You can get an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist or another “appropriately-qualified healthcare professional” (Nice Guidelines). This includes Psychologists. Cost You can pay for a private ADHD assessment in a variety of ways. Psychiatry UK offers a monthly direct-debit option. Payment can also be made via private medical insurances (including Bupa or Aviva). You can also opt to pay for your own assessment or medication. NHS funding is available for adults ADHD assessments under the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to choose any medically qualified provider in the event that the Integrated Care Board or NHS England has signed a contract with them. The assessment will be conducted by specialist psychiatrists or a specialist ADHD nurse who is trained to evaluate for ADHD. They are the only healthcare professionals able to diagnose ADHD in the UK according to the Nice guidelines. During the test, you will be asked questions about your childhood and the recent past to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and the impact they have on you. The test will last between 45 to 90 minutes. If the specialist psychiatrist or nursing staff determines that you have ADHD they will inform you and discuss your treatment options. You don't have to accept the diagnosis. You may ask a different doctor to examine your symptoms if you're not satisfied with the results. After the assessment your doctor will then send you or your GP a written report. The report will contain a description of your symptoms and their impact and an agreed holistic treatment plan. This information can be utilized by your GP to determine what treatment you should get. Some GPs will agree to a shared-care agreement with a private service provider in order to provide medication via the NHS. You can save money on your medication by only paying the NHS prescription cost. Some doctors might not be able to take this arrangement, so you should verify prior to scheduling an appointment. It is important to note that the NHS will only prescribe medication for adults who have been formally diagnosed with ADHD. If best private adhd assessment uk are diagnosed as an adult suffering from ADHD and are accountable for the cost of your own assessment and any medication. Time to wait In the UK there is a “waiting time crisis in ADHD assessments According to a study from the charity ADHD Action. The charity claims that a lot of adults are waiting for more than seven years for an assessment. Waiting times can cause anxiety and stress for those with ADHD. It is estimated that 1.5 million people in the UK suffer from the condition. Some private companies provide ADHD tests that aren't accepted by the NHS. This means you will not be able to access any associated medication through the NHS. If you are thinking about taking a private evaluation for ADHD ensure that the psychiatrist is a member of the General Medical Council and on their specialist register. Be aware that private diagnoses won't allow you to gain access to any workplace protections 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 are not free of problems. The BBC's investigation revealed that some private hospitals are using unreliable diagnostic techniques and are delivering incorrect diagnoses. This could have grave consequences for patients. Doctors are concerned that the current arrangements for ADHD assessments aren't effective, and they want more ring-fenced funds to improve services. Despite the fact many GPs are overwhelmed with ADHD referrals, it is important to keep in mind that only a specialist has the ability to diagnose ADHD. Many people are choosing to have their ADHD evaluated privately. They will not have to endure the long waiting times for diagnosis, and also get a more accurate assessment and treatment plan. A private ADHD assessment is usually an appointment with a psychiatrist and a clinical nurse specialist. This could include an interview, observation, and questionnaires. It is important to answer these questions honestly and accurately, as it will help the Psychiatrist determine if you suffer from ADHD or not. The Psychiatrist then writes a report which you can send to your GP. If a Psychiatrist recommends you be prescribed medication, you will be required to sign a shared-care agreement with your GP. You'll be required to pay the NHS prescription fee, but it will be your GP who will renew the prescription and decide 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 help you overcome them. It is important to understand what you're facing and why you are struggling to be successful at work, in relationships and in your home life. However, there are many people who are struggling to get a diagnosis, and it is often difficult to find a medical facility that will take them on. Private companies can help you reduce the time it takes to wait and make an appointment with a certified ADHD expert. The typical assessment takes 45 to 90 minute and include an interview, as well as a discussion of your symptoms. You might also be asked to provide examples from your past to aid in the assessment process. During the appointment, your clinician will assess whether you are able to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. Private health professionals will not just evaluate your ADHD symptoms but also your mental health and any other conditions that you may have. This will allow them to determine if you have any other disorders that can interfere with your ADHD. You must be prepared to discuss these issues prior the appointment, since they can affect the treatment you receive. Untreated ADHD can create problems in the workplace, in relationships, and also with overall well-being. This is due to the fact that untreated ADHD can result in an inattention and impulsive behavior. In addition, it can lead to depression, anxiety, and other psychological difficulties. For this reason, it is crucial to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. At present, people who want to be diagnosed with ADHD are faced with long wait times at NHS. This is due to a slow system, with NHS services overwhelmed by referrals. It could take up to one year to be seen by an ADHD clinic. This can be a frustrating experience for those who have fought for a long time without knowing the reason behind their struggles. Some adults decide to have a private ADHD assessment. Private ADHD assessments are expensive however, they can provide the answers you seek and the confidence that you're being treated by a professional. Certain private ADHD assessment providers also provide shared treatment arrangements with doctors. This could mean that your medication is only paid for by the NHS. Reputation There is growing concern that private companies are overdiagnosing adult ADHD, using poor quality assessments and staff who are not properly trained. BBC Panorama recently highlighted this issue. GPs should refer patients who suspect they be suffering from ADHD to the NHS Adult ADHD service. They should be aware of the risk that a person could be misdiagnosed and receive medication they don't need. Only psychiatrists and ADHD nurses with specialized training are able to assess ADHD informally. Counsellors and other mental health professionals are not able to diagnose ADHD. They can spot signs and provide support. If you decide to get a private ADHD assessment, make sure that the doctor 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 a psychiatric diagnoses has been established. A comprehensive ADHD assessment requires several appointments, observations and tests. If your doctor suggests an ADHD evaluation, make sure you choose one with an excellent reputation. A good provider will take time getting to know you, and the context of your everyday life. The NHS website has a list approved providers.