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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. Finding a reliable diagnosis can make a significant impact on your life. It is important to keep in mind that having ADHD does not mean that you can't live a happy and fulfilling life. You can get 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 via 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 under the Right to Choose scheme, which permits patients to select any clinically appropriate provider, in the event that the Integrated Care Board or NHS England has a contract with them. The assessment will be conducted by specialist psychiatrists or a specialist ADHD nurse who has been certified to evaluate for ADHD. These are the only healthcare professionals able to diagnose ADHD in the UK according to the Nice guidelines. During the assessment you will be asked questions about your childhood and life in the recent past to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and the impact they have on you. The test takes between 45 and 90 minutes. If a doctor or nurse determines that you have ADHD they will inform you and provide you with treatment options. You don't have to accept the diagnosis. You can consult with a different doctor to review your symptoms if you're not satisfied with the results. After your assessment is complete the doctor will create an evaluation report and deliver it to you or your GP. The report will include the description and impact of your symptoms, as well an agreed holistic treatment plan. Your GP can then use the information to decide on the best treatment plan for you. Some GPs are willing to enter into a shared care agreement that allows you to receive your medication through the NHS. You can save money on your prescriptions by only paying the NHS prescription cost. Some doctors might not be able to take this arrangement, so you should check before booking an appt. It is worth noting that the NHS will only prescribe medication to adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This means that if you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, you will have to pay for your private assessment and any medication yourself. Time to wait In the UK there is a “waiting time crisis in ADHD assessments, according to a report from the charity ADHD Action. The charity says that many adults are waiting for more than seven years to receive an assessment. The waiting time can cause anxiety and stress for those with ADHD. The condition is thought to be affecting 1.5 million people living in the UK. Private companies may offer ADHD assessment that is not recognized by the NHS. This means you will not be in a position to obtain any medication through the NHS. If you're thinking about a private assessment of ADHD be sure that the psychiatrist is registered with the General Medical Council. Be aware that a condition that is diagnosed privately doesn't provide the same protections at work as a diagnosis recognised by the NHS. While some private businesses have shorter waiting times than the NHS they do not come free of problems. The BBC's investigation has revealed that some private hospitals utilize unreliable diagnostic methods and provide incorrect diagnoses. This can have serious consequences for patients. GPs are concerned about the current arrangements for ADHD assessment and want more ringfenced funding to enhance the service. Despite the fact many GPs are overwhelmed with ADHD referrals, you should keep in mind that only a specialist is qualified to diagnose ADHD. Many people are choosing to have their ADHD assessed privately. They can avoid the long wait for a diagnosis, and get a more accurate assessment and treatment plan. A private ADHD assessment usually involves a series of appointments with the psychiatrist as well as a specialist in clinical nursing. This involves an interview, observations, and questionnaires. It is essential to answer these questions honestly and accurately, because this will allow the Psychiatrist to decide whether you have ADHD or not. The Psychiatrist will then write an assessment report that you can give to your GP. If your Psychiatrist suggests that you take medication, you will need to sign a shared care agreement with your GP. This will mean that you will be responsible for the NHS prescription cost, however your GP will be responsible for renewing the prescription and deciding on future treatments. This isn't a certain choice, and some doctors aren't keen to share their medical information with private patients. Experience A diagnosis of ADHD can help you understand your struggles and help you overcome them. It is important to understand what you're up against and why you struggle to succeed at work, in relationships or in your personal life. There are mouse click the next page who are struggling to get an accurate diagnosis, and it's sometimes difficult to find a clinic that will take them on. Private companies can help you reduce the amount of time you wait to get an appointment with a qualified ADHD expert. The typical assessment takes 45 to 90 minutes and include an interview and discussion of your symptoms. You may be asked to share examples from your past to help in the assessment process. During the appointment, your doctor will determine if you have the right criteria to receive an ADHD diagnosis. In addition to evaluating the symptoms of ADHD Health professionals from private clinics will also look at your mental health history as well as any other medical conditions you might have. This will allow them to determine if you suffer from other disorders that can interfere with your ADHD. You should be prepared to discuss these issues before the appointment, as they can affect the treatment you receive. Many people with untreated ADHD experience problems with their relationships, work, and overall wellbeing. Untreated ADHD can lead to impulsive and inattentive behavior. It can also result in anxiety, depression and other psychological problems. It is therefore important to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as you notice any. At present, people who want to be diagnosed with ADHD are faced with long wait times at NHS. This is due to a logjammed system, with NHS services being overwhelmed by referrals. In some instances it could take up to one year before you're taken to an ADHD clinic. This can be frustrating for those who have struggled for a long time without knowing the reason behind their struggles. This is the reason why many adults opt to have an individual ADHD assessment. Private ADHD assessments are costly however they can provide you with the answers you need and the confidence that you're being treated by a qualified professional. Some private ADHD assessment providers also offer shared health care agreements with GPs. This can mean that your medication is paid for by the NHS. Reputation Some private companies are being 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 they be suffering from ADHD to the NHS Adult ADHD service. They must be aware that individuals may be misdiagnosed and given medications they do not require. Only psychiatrists and ADHD nurses with specialized training can assess ADHD informally. Counsellors and other mental health professionals can't diagnose ADHD. They can help identify the symptoms and provide support. If you decide to get an individual ADHD assessment, ensure that the psychiatrist or nurse is registered with the General Medical Council and on the specialist register. They must be able to prescribe medication that is only available with an psychiatric diagnosis. A comprehensive ADHD assessment requires a series of appointments, observations and tests. If your physician recommends an ADHD assessment, make sure you choose a provider with an excellent reputation. A reputable provider will take time to get to know you and the context of your life. The NHS website has a list approved providers.