ADHD 0% Interest Loans - Getting a Private ADHD Diagnosis
With NHS services swamped and waiting lists at an all-time high, people with ADHD have a tough option. One option is borrowing money at zero interest to cover an assessment in an private clinic.
It's worth a try. Psychiatry UK has some great tips to help you choose the right option via Right to Choose.
Cost
If you're suffering from ADHD, an official diagnosis can help you get the help you require. You can get treatment on your own or through an NHS referral. However, the NHS can have long wait times, so many patients opt to pay for private assessment. This can save you money and time however it is crucial to ensure that the person conducting your assessment has the appropriate qualifications. A doctor is not qualified to diagnose ADHD. It is therefore important to speak with an expert psychologist or psychiatrist.
A private ADHD assessment typically costs between PS500 to PS800, including consultation time along with a report and trial of medication. During the session you will meet with a neurobehavioural psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. They will discuss your symptoms, your mental health history, and family history. They will also offer suggestions for non-medication treatments. The evaluation can last up to one hour and you can choose the best medication for your needs.
Based on your provider, a private ADHD evaluation could involve a face-to-face consultation or telephonic / video follow-up. Contact the provider to inquire regarding their policies. Some require the submission of a GP referral letter, while others do not. If your GP will not refer you to a specialist then you may want to locate an alternative GP - especially when you are interested in an agreement for shared care of medication.
Many people are willing to pay for a private ADHD diagnosis because the NHS can take up to five years to conduct an assessment. This is due to the fact that there are a lot of patients on the waiting list for assessments, and it's difficult to cope while they wait. A formal diagnosis can help patients receive treatment and help, improving their quality of life.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed the malpractice of a number of private ADHD clinics, however it is important to remember that the majority of private clinics provide the highest standards. It is also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a serious disorder, and untreated it can cause issues in work, education and relationships. Additionally, it is associated with a 12.7 year decrease in life expectancy, which is comparable to the life expectancy of Type 2 diabetes.
Availability
Many people have ADHD and do not realize they have it. The symptoms can affect their relationships, careers and financial situation. Some of them suffer from anxiety, depression, or other conditions which could be better treated if their ADHD was recognized and managed. The NHS has long waiting lists and it can be difficult to get an assessment. People turn to private providers when they need ADHD evaluations and treatment. It is crucial to remember that regardless of whether you pay for the service, your personal diagnosis must still be based on national guidelines.
If your doctor refers you, you can receive an individual ADHD assessment in the UK. Most providers will provide a thorough medical report and will discuss the treatment options with you. Some providers offer medication initiation and gradual titration, as as stabilisation for an additional fee. They can also provide you with self-help leaflets and information that focus on effective psychosocial interventions for adult ADHD. Depending on the policy of the provider, some might require the submission of a GP letter before they take over NHS prescriptions.
This can be a bit frustrating. If you feel the GP has been unreasonable choose a different one. You can check whether your GP will refer you for an assessment with Psychiatry-UK. If they won't then you can attempt an appointment with a private psychiatrist.
Private assessments are usually much more efficient than the NHS, and they can be completed in just about an hour. The doctor will talk with you about your present problems and your history and will then perform various tests and assessments. This will give them a complete picture of your mental health and well-being. They can then recommend the best treatment plan specific to your specific needs.
There are now many private psychiatrists who specialize in ADHD. You can locate them on websites like Harley Therapy, and they can arrange an appointment for you. These doctors are experienced and knowledgeable about the condition and can answer any questions you might have.
Qualifications
ADHD is a condition that causes difficulty in concentration and focus. It can have serious consequences on a person, especially in their work and social life. Many people suffer from the condition but aren't aware of how to recognize it and be treated. Getting an ADHD diagnosis is the first step to getting over this issue. There are many treatment options that include CBT and medication.
You should see your GP if you are concerned about ADHD. The doctor will be able to refer you for an assessment at a private hospital or wellness centre. You can also contact the centre directly to arrange an appointment. The process typically involves filling out a questionnaire and a face-to–face appointment with psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms and discuss how they impact your daily life.
The qualifications required to diagnose ADHD in the UK will vary depending on the profession and location. In general, a psychiatrist or psychologist should be the person to evaluate you, since they are the only healthcare professionals able to legally prescribe medication for ADHD in the UK. However an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist isn't the only option; nurses with specialized training in ADHD can also conduct assessments and prescribe medication.
There are a variety of private clinics in the UK which specialize in adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Private clinics provide shorter waiting periods and are generally less expensive than the NHS. The quality of these tests is often doubtful. For example an investigation by BBC Panorama investigation found that certain private clinics had rushed assessments and book private adhd assessment prescribed powerful medications without taking into account the patient's medical background.
If you're thinking of having an in-person ADHD assessment, be sure that your GP will sign a "shared care agreement' with the company you choose. This is a legal agreement that allows the private practitioner to communicate with your GP, and can significantly reduce time to get an NHS assessment. This is especially important if you hope to access treatment for ADHD because your doctor will need to sign your prescriptions.
Experience
It requires lots of effort to receive an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. It involves visiting an expert psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, review your history and examine you physically. They will also assess for any other conditions that could influence your health like depression or anxiety. They will then determine if you suffer from ADHD or any impairments. If they are able to, they will prescribe you medication. This can be done through an agreement for shared care with your GP or by going private.
Unfortunately the NHS isn't equipped to conduct ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait long periods of time before seeking private clinics. However, Panorama's research revealed that some private clinics offer incorrect diagnoses. Patients who are vulnerable are at risk and could cause unnecessary treatment.
In England, GPs have the legal right to refer adults to an ADHD assessment to any provider they choose, as long as the provider is registered as doing NHS assessments in their area. This is referred to as Right to Choose and it can often reduce waiting times for assessments. The GP must still be able to approve the referral.
The NHS is currently in a state of crisis, and funding for adult ADHD services has been cut by more than PS70 million since 2009. The psychiatrists' rotas that assess adults are filled, and there is a huge inconsistency between the demand and the capacity. This has led to a plethora of quick fixes, ranging from online assessments to bogus clinics like those that are featured in Panorama.
If you are in the UK and you want to be diagnosed with ADHD, you must see an expert psychiatrist. This is because only a mental health professional can provide you with an official diagnosis, which is required for insurance purposes and to access medication. In the UK only psychiatrists can prescribe medication for ADHD. These medications, called methylphenidates, can be purchased as capsules and tablets. These drugs can be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms and can enhance your life.