ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for services at an all-time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Anyone who is registered in England with a GP can opt to have their ADHD assessed privately using their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to get assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
A increasing number of people seek a diagnosis of ADHD. In the UK, it is estimated that nearly one million adults are not diagnosed with ADHD. Waiting times for NHS assessments have risen significantly. In some areas it can take up to seven years to make an appointment for an assessment. Celebrities, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas, have also spoken out about their experiences with the condition. However many people in need of an assessment are forced to seek out help privately.
In some cases, patients were told they would need wait 18 months to receive a prescription for ADHD medication. The shortage of staff within the public health system is at fault. The problem is particularly acute in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with demand. Referrals are the result of the lack of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private companies such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in lengthy waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over how private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation was conducted by an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics. All of them diagnosed him with the condition. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through tests and prescribe powerful drugs without providing proper advice about the adverse effects. Despite these claims, the BBC report has been criticized for its inability to focus its attention on the bigger issues surrounding the provision of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. This is due to an increase in awareness and a growing number of people seeking to diagnose the condition. The demand has surpassed the capacity of NHS services in some areas, and they are unable to provide an assessment at all. If you are fortunate enough to get an assessment on the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are several ways to reduce the time they wait for an ADHD diagnosis. First, they should talk to their GP to explain the reason they believe they have ADHD. Their GP should be aware of their concerns and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it can be difficult. There is a high demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is unable to meet the demand. This has led to numerous shortcuts, from online assessments to private clinics. These are not always accurate and can lead to incorrect diagnosis.
If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is crucial to find an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this condition. A general practitioner or a psychologist may not possess the knowledge, skills and experience required to recognize ADHD. If you're not sure which one to go to, check with your local mental health service for an approved list of providers. You may also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist which is typically the quickest way to get an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and many people are seeking help for the disorder. There is no cure for the disorder however there are treatment options that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes. Some people also take supplements to help reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist with a specialization in ADHD can help you find the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess you for signs such as difficulty in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They'll also want details about your childhood and your family history. They will then work out a personalised plan for you that may include medication, psychotherapy or the combination of both.
You can make a legal decision if your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use the Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your location. Alternately, you can make use of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times and offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of combined experience in providing holistic psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments for adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues like anxiety and depression.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to grow. This is due to a mix of factors, including increased awareness about the condition, a underfunded NHS and a world where mental health issues are becoming more prevalent. Many patients are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD could do to their career and relationships and are willing to pay to get diagnosed in order to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics caused concern about the way in which companies exploit vulnerable patients. The BBC Panorama documentary revealed that private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious concern and is something that needs to be addressed by the government.
Adults can currently choose the psychiatrist they would like to visit to make an appointment. This option is typically restricted to certain NHS health regions or doctors who have agreements with these providers. In the end, GPs are often overburdened with this task and may not be able provide a full range of services to people suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have risen in popularity since they are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are good however, others aren't as dependable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis, and there is a danger that this can lead to patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. This won't improve their lives and cost money that could have been spent on other treatments such as anxiety or depression.
In contrast, some NHS services are exemplary and provide a high-quality complete service to adults suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London, is a nationally recognized center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. But even these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of an growing patient population, and they are unlikely to change unless the government makes better investments in mental health care.
Insurance
It's costly to get an in-depth ADHD assessment however it's worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis can boost your living conditions and assist you in here a variety of areas including your work and relationships. You should inform your insurance company of any medical condition so that they can assist you in determining the right level of cover for you.
If you have a private health insurance policy be sure to check its terms and conditions to determine whether it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health each have their own policies. Some companies will not pay the assessment fee, while others will. It is essential to read the terms and condition carefully to know what they cover.
Doctors may refuse to refer a patient for an ADHD evaluation due to a variety of reasons. However it isn't always the situation. If your GP is unable to assist, find another. If your doctor won't sign a shared-care contract with you, you may seek a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments, however these can be inaccurate.