ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With service wait times at an all time high and the need for private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. Patients in England with a GP can opt to have their ADHD assessed privately applying for a 'Right of choice'.
This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed within a matter of months, as opposed to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A growing number of people are seeking the diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that more than one million adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are increasing. In certain areas, it could take up to seven years to make an appointment for an assessment. High-profile individuals, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken about their experiences with the disease. However many people in need of an assessment are forced to seek help privately.
In some instances patients were told they'd have wait 18 months to get the prescription for ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is to blame. The problem is particularly acute in Greater Manchester where service providers are struggling to meet the demand. Referrals are the result of the lack of a top-down approach 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 visited three private clinics. All of them diagnosed him with the condition. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through tests and prescribe powerful medications without providing adequate advice about the adverse effects. Despite these claims, the BBC's report has been criticized for not focusing on the wider issues surrounding the treatment of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. This is due to increasing awareness and a rising number of people seeking to diagnose the condition. The demand for NHS services has surpassed their capacity, and certain regions are not able to provide an assessment. If you are fortunate enough to be able to access an assessment through the NHS have long wait times for treatment.
There are a variety of methods to speed up the waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain the reason they believe they may be suffering from the condition. Their doctor must take their concerns seriously and refer them for an examination.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be frustrating. There is a lot of demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is unable to meet this demand. This has lead to numerous short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always reliable and could result in an inaccurate diagnosis.
If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is crucial to consult a psychiatrist who specialises in this condition. A general practitioner or psychologist may not possess the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to diagnose ADHD. If you're not sure who to contact, ask your local mental health service for a list. You can ask your GP for a referral to a specialist. This is the quickest way to receive an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many people are seeking assistance for the disorder. There is no cure for the disorder however there are treatments which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication as well as psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. Certain people also take supplements to help reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can help find the best treatment to treat your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms for difficulty concentrating, problems with working memory, poor sleeping habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also request details about your childhood and your family history. They will then work out a personalised plan for you which could website include psychotherapy, medication, or the combination of both.
If you're recommended an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England you have the legal right to choose the clinic you want to visit. You can use the Right to Choose service to select a clinic that offers NHS assessments in your location. Alternately, you can use the services of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics offer video calls and offer shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) along with other issues that present like anxiety and depression.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to increase. It is due to the increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming more common. Many sufferers are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their career and relationships and are willing to pay to get diagnosed to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which looked at the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised the issue that some businesses are exploitation of vulnerable patients. The program revealed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for mediocre assessment services, and poor aftercare. This is a serious problem that the government must tackle.
Currently, the NHS allows adults to choose the psychiatrist they want to see to schedule a diagnostic appointment. However this option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions and to doctors who have contracts with these providers. GPs may be overworked and not able to provide full-service for adults with ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
While certain private services do a good job but others aren't as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis itself and there is a risk that this could lead to patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. This will not help their lives, and could waste money that could have been used for other services such as depression or anxiety.
However, some NHS services are excellent and provide a high-quality and comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a well-known center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. But even these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of a rapidly expanding patient population. they are unlikely to change unless the government increases investment in mental health care.
Insurance
It can be costly to have a private ADHD assessment, but it's worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis is crucial to your overall health and can assist you in improving the quality of your life in many areas such as work and relationships. It is important to inform your insurance provider of any diagnosis so they can assist you in determining the best level of protection for you.
Examine your policy's terms & conditions to determine if the policy covers ADHD assessments. Axa PPP (private healthcare provider), Aviva (private health insurance provider), Bupa (private health insurance provider), and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some companies will not pay the assessment fee, while others will. It is crucial to review the terms and conditions carefully to know what they cover.
Doctors may not send patients to an ADHD assessment due to various reasons but this isn't always the case. If your GP isn't willing to help you, look for a different one. If your GP won't sign a shared care contract with you for medication, you may want to get an additional opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments that are available, but these can be misleading.