What Is Private ADHD? And How To Use It How to Pay For a Private ADHD Assessment

ADHD is a condition that is common and can be difficult to control. Getting an accurate diagnosis can make a huge impact on your life. It is also important to remember that having ADHD does not mean you can't live a happy and fulfilling life.

You can get a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist or another "appropriately-qualified healthcare professional" (Nice Guidelines). This includes Psychologists.

Cost

You can pay for a private ADHD assessment through a variety of methods. Psychiatry UK offers a direct debit monthly option. The payment can also be made via private medical insurances (including Bupa or Aviva). You can also choose to pay for your own assessment or medication. NHS funding is available for adults ADHD assessments through the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to select any provider that is clinically appropriate, in the event that the Integrated Care Board or NHS England has an agreement with them.

You will be assessed by a specialist psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse who has been certified to evaluate for ADHD. They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK in accordance with the Nice guidelines.

During the test during the assessment, you will be asked questions about your childhood and current life in order to determine if you have the characteristics for ADHD. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and their impact on you. The assessment takes 45 to 90 minutes.

If a specialist psychiatrist or nurse discovers that you suffer from ADHD, they will tell you that and will discuss treatment options with you. There is no obligation to accept the diagnosis. If you are not satisfied with the results you can consult a different medical professional to have your symptoms evaluated again.

After the examination your doctor will then send you or your GP the written report. The report will contain a description of your symptoms and the impact they have on you and an agreed upon holistic treatment plan. This information will be used by your GP to determine what treatment you will receive.

Some doctors are willing to join a shared-care agreement so that you receive your medication through 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 verify prior to scheduling an appointment.

The NHS will only prescribe ADHD medication to adults who have had an official diagnosis. If you are diagnosed as an adult with ADHD, you will be accountable for the cost of your own assessment and any medication.

Waiting time

According to a report by the charity ADHD Action the report states that there is a 'waiting crisis' in the UK for ADHD assessments. The charity claims that many adults are waiting for more than seven years to receive an assessment. This can lead to anxiety and frustration for those with ADHD. The condition is believed to affect 1.5 million people in the UK.

Private companies may offer ADHD assessments that are not recognized by the NHS. This means you won't be eligible to access any medications through the NHS. If you're considering an assessment privately for ADHD, ensure that the psychiatrist is registered with the General Medical Council. Be aware that a condition that is diagnosed privately will not give you the same protections in your workplace as a diagnosis that is accepted by the NHS.


While some private companies may have shorter wait times than the NHS however, they are not free of issues. The BBC's investigation has revealed that some private providers utilize unreliable diagnostic methods and make 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 services.

Despite the fact many GPs are overwhelmed by ADHD referrals, you should be aware that only a specialist has the ability to diagnose ADHD. More people are opting to have their ADHD evaluated privately. They can avoid long waits for a diagnoses and get a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

A private ADHD assessment is usually appointments with the psychiatrist and a specialist in clinical nursing. This includes an interview, observations, and questionnaires. Answering these questions accurately and honestly will help the Psychiatrist determine whether or not you have ADHD. The Psychiatrist writes an evaluation report, which you may provide to your GP.

If your Psychiatrist suggests that you take medication, you'll be required to sign a shared care agreement with your GP. This will mean that you will be responsible for the NHS prescription charge, but your GP will be responsible for renewing the prescription and deciding on future treatments. This is not always an option as some GPs might be reluctant to share their medical information with private patients.

Experience

If you're an adult with ADHD, getting a diagnosis could be a significant step forward in understanding your issues and taking steps to tackle these issues. It is essential to understand what you're up against and why you are struggling to be successful in your work, relationships and in your personal life. There are many people who struggle to get a diagnosis, and it's often difficult to find a clinic which will accept them.

Private services are a method to speed up your waiting time and ensure that you have an appointment with a certified ADHD specialist. The typical assessment takes 45 to 90 minutes and consist of an interview and discussion about your symptoms. You might be asked to provide examples of your life to assist in the assessment process. During the appointment, your clinician will determine whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.

In addition to assessing the characteristics of ADHD, private healthcare professionals will also look at your mental health history and any other conditions you may have. This will help them determine if there are other disorders that can affect ADHD. You should be prepared to discuss these issues prior to the appointment as they will impact your treatment.

Unmanaged ADHD can cause problems in the workplace, with relationships, and also with overall well-being. Untreated ADHD can cause impulsive and inattentive behavior. Moreover, it can lead to anxiety, depression and other psychological issues. It is therefore important to seek proper diagnosis and treatment immediately.

Presently, many adults who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD have long wait times for NHS assessments. This is due to a slow system and NHS services swamped by referrals. In some instances it could take up to an entire year before you're taken to an ADHD clinic. This can be very frustrating, especially for adults who have struggled for a long time without knowing what was causing their issues.

IamPsychiatry opt for an in-person ADHD assessment. Private ADHD assessments can be costly, but can give you the answers you need and the peace of mind that you're being treated by a professional. Additionally, certain private ADHD assessment providers offer a shared care arrangement with GPs. This can mean that you only pay for your medication through the NHS.

Reputation

Some private companies are accused of overdiagnosing ADHD in adults, using low-quality tests 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 should be aware that people might be misdiagnosed, or given medications they don't need.

Psychiatrists and specialists ADHD nurses are the only professionals who are able to officially assess ADHD. Other mental health professionals, like counsellors, are not able to diagnose. They can spot signs and offer support. If you choose to have 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 medications that are only available if an official diagnosis of psychiatric illness has been established.

A complete ADHD assessment will require a number of appointments for observations, tests, and appointments. If your doctor suggests an ADHD assessment, select a provider who has an excellent reputation. A good provider will spend time getting to know you and the context of your everyday life. The NHS website has a list approved providers.