ADHD 0% Interest Loans - Getting a Private ADHD Diagnosis
With NHS services swamped and waiting lists at an all-time high patients suffering from ADHD face a difficult decision. One option is to take out 0% interest loans to pay for an assessment at an private clinic.
It's worth trying. 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 will help you access the support you need. You can choose to receive treatment on your own or through an NHS referral. Many patients opt to pay for a private evaluation because the NHS can be slow. This will save you money and time however, it is essential to ensure that the person performing your assessment has the appropriate qualifications. A GP is not able to diagnose ADHD. Therefore, it is vital to seek out an expert psychologist or psychiatrist.
A private ADHD assessment costs between PS500 and PS800. It includes consultation time and a written report and a trial of a medication. During the session, you will meet with an expert neurobehavioural psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. They will discuss with you your symptoms, mental history and family history. They will also make recommendations for non-medicative treatments. The evaluation can last up to one hour and you can choose the best medication for your requirements.
Depending on the service provider, your private ADHD assessment may involve an in-person consultation or telephone / online video follow-up. It's a good idea to inquire with the provider to find out their policy on this. Some providers require the submission of a GP recommendation letter, while others don't. If your GP refuses to refer you to a specialist, it might be worth finding another one, especially when you're considering an agreement with a shared-care provider for a future medication.
Many people are willing to pay for a private diagnosis of ADHD because it could take up to five years for the NHS to conduct an assessment in some areas. This is because there are a lot of patients on the waiting lists for assessments, and it can be difficult to cope while they wait. Having an official diagnosis will allow them to access help and treatment, which can improve their lives.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed malpractice at several private ADHD clinics, however it is important to keep in mind that the majority of private clinics provide the highest standards. Untreated ADHD can cause serious problems in the fields of work, education and relationships. Additionally it is associated with a 12.7 year reduction in life expectancy, which is comparable to that of Type 2 diabetes.
Accessibility
Many people live with ADHD without knowing it, and the symptoms can affect their careers, relationships, and finances. Many suffer from anxiety, depression or other conditions which could be better treated when their ADHD was diagnosed and managed. The NHS has long waiting lists, and it can be difficult to get a diagnosis. People turn to private providers for ADHD assessments and treatments. 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 you are a student or not, you can get an ADHD assessment privately in the UK when your doctor will refer you. Most providers will write an extensive medical report and discuss treatment options with you. Some providers offer medication initiation and steady titration, as well as stabilisation for an additional fee. Additionally, they can offer self-help materials and other information that focus on effective psychosocial interventions for adults suffering from ADHD. Based on the policies of the provider they may require a GP letter before they take over NHS prescriptions.
This can be a bit frustrating. If you think your GP is not fair, find another one. Find out if your GP is willing to send you to an assessment at Psychiatry UK. If they won't offer an appointment with a private psychiatrist.
Private assessments are typically more efficient than the NHS, and they can be completed in about an hour. private adhd assessment cost will ask you about your concerns and your past, and then perform an array of tests and assessments. This will give them a full picture of your mental health and wellbeing. They can then recommend the best treatment plan specifically tailored to your specific needs.
The good news is that there are a number of private psychiatrists who specialise in ADHD. You can find them through Harley Therapy and they will arrange an appointment. The doctors are highly skilled and knowledgeable in their field and will be able to answer any questions that you may have.
Qualifications

ADHD is a disorder that causes issues in concentration and focus. It can have serious effects on a person, especially in their social and work life. Many people have the condition, but they are not aware of how to recognize it and treated. Finding an ADHD diagnosis is the first step in overcoming this problem. There are many treatment options that include CBT and medication.
It is recommended that you visit your GP in case you are concerned about ADHD. The doctor will be able to arrange an assessment at a private hospital or wellbeing centre. You can also contact the centre directly to make an appointment. The process usually involves filling out a questionnaire and a face-to–face appointment with a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms and discuss the impact they have on your daily life.
The qualifications required to diagnose ADHD in the UK differ by profession and region. A psychiatrist or psychologist is the best person to examine your needs since they are the only healthcare providers who are legally able to prescribe ADHD medication in the UK. A psychologist or psychiatrist are not the only choices. Nurses who have received special training on ADHD are also able to conduct assessments, and prescribe medication.
Many private clinics in the UK provide adult ADHD treatment and assessment. Often these private clinics are less expensive and have shorter wait times than the NHS. However, the quality of these assessments can be questioned. A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that certain private clinics gave powerful medications to patients without considering their medical history.
If you're thinking about going for an in-person ADHD assessment, be sure that your GP will accept a 'shared care agreement' with the service you select. It's a legal document that lets the private clinician share information with your GP, and can significantly reduce waiting time for an NHS assessment. This is especially important in the event that you want to access medications for ADHD because your doctor will have to sign your prescriptions.
Experience
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult requires a significant amount of work. A psychiatrist will examine your symptoms, evaluate your symptoms and review your medical history. They will also assess for any other conditions that may influence your health like depression or anxiety. They will then determine whether you suffer from ADHD and if you're suffering from any issues. If appropriate, they will prescribe medication. This can be done via a shared care agreement with your GP or through a private.
Unfortunately, the NHS isn't equipped to offer ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait long periods of time and seek out private clinics. However, Panorama's investigation revealed that some private clinics offer inaccurate diagnoses. Patients who are vulnerable are at risk and could cause unnecessary treatment.
In England, GPs have the legal right to send adults to an ADHD assessment with any provider they prefer, as long as the provider is licensed to perform NHS assessments in their region. This is known as Right to Choose and it will often cut down on waiting times for assessments. The GP must still be able to approve the referral.
The NHS is currently in a state crisis, and funding for adult ADHD services has been reduced by more than PS70 million since 2009. The psychiatrists' rotas for assessing adults are filled, and there is an enormous mismatch between the demand and capacity. This has led to the emergence of quick fixes, ranging from online assessments to fake clinics like those that are featured in Panorama.
If you are a resident of the UK and want to be diagnosed with ADHD, then you must consult an expert psychiatrist. Only a mental health professional is able to give you an official diagnosis that is required for insurance purposes as well as to prescribe medication. Moreover, a psychiatrist is the only health professional to prescribe medications for ADHD in the UK. These medications, called methylphenidates are available as tablets and capsules. These medicines are effective in reducing ADHD symptoms and can enhance your quality of life.