ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments have become more popular as wait times are at an all-time high. Those registered with a GP in England can use their 'Right to Choose' and opt to be directed to a private service.
This allows patients to be diagnosed and assessed in a matter of months, which is a far cry from waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A growing number of people are seeking the diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that more than a million adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and wait times for NHS assessments are rising. In some areas it can take up to seven years to get an appointment for an assessment. Some high-profile individuals have spoken out about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However many people in need of a diagnosis are forced to seek out help privately.
In a few instances patients were told they'd have wait 18 months to get a prescription for ADHD medication. The shortage of staff within the public health system is the reason. The issue is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with demand. Referrals are the result of the absence of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has resulted in the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is a long wait for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about the method by which private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation included an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics. All of them diagnosed the patient with the condition. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are speeding through assessments and prescribing powerful medications without offering proper advice regarding possible adverse effects. Despite these claims, the BBC's report has been criticized for failing to focus on the wider issues surrounding the provision of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. private adhd assessments increasing awareness of the condition and the growing number of people seeking a diagnosis are to blame. The demand for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and certain regions are not able to provide an assessment. For adhd assessment private enough to get an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for a long time before they can receive treatment.
There are many ways to reduce the waiting time for an ADHD diagnoses. The first is to speak to their GP and explain the reason they think that they might be suffering from the disorder. The doctor must take their concerns seriously and refer them for an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrating for adults. There is a high demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is unable to meet this demand. This has led to numerous shortcuts, ranging from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always reliable and could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis.
When seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is essential to seek out an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this disorder. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the skills, knowledge and experience required to recognize ADHD. If you're not sure who to contact, ask your local mental health service for an alphabetical list. You could also request your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is usually the fastest way to get an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many people are seeking help for the condition. There is no cure for ADHD however there are treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle modifications. In addition, some are taking supplements to treat the symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can evaluate your symptoms for difficulties in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood, and your family history. They will then devise an individualized plan for you that may include psychotherapy, medication or the combination of both.
You have a legal choice when your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to select a clinic in your area that provides NHS assessments. Alternatively, you can also avail the services of private clinics that offer NHS assessments. These clinics have much shorter waiting times and also offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of combined experience in providing holistic psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), alongside other issues that present like depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to increase. It is due to increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming more prevalent. In addition, a lot of sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay for a diagnosis so that they can get treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics raised concerns about companies exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama revealed that private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious issue, and it is something that must be addressed by the government.
At present, the NHS lets adults choose which psychiatrist to see for a diagnosis appointment. This option is typically restricted to certain NHS health regions, or to GPs with contracts with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and unable to provide a complete service for adults with ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have risen in popularity, as they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are good, but others are not as dependable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis itself, and there is a risk that this can lead to patients who are overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not help their lives and will cost money that could be spent on other services such as depression or anxiety.
Certain NHS services, on the other hand are excellent and provide a professional and comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a well-known center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. These services are also struggling with the demand of an ever-growing patient population.
Insurance
It's costly to undergo an in-depth ADHD assessment, but it's worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis is crucial for your well-being and can help you improve various aspects of your life such as work and relationships. Your insurance provider should be informed of any diagnosis in order to determine the best amount of coverage for you.
If you have an insurance policy for private health, you should check its terms and conditions to determine whether it 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 understand what they cover.
GPs might not be able to refer patients for an ADHD evaluation for different reasons, but this is not always the case. If your GP will not help, find another. If your doctor is unwilling to sign a shared care agreement with you to prescribe medication, you can try to seek an additional opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are also several online ADHD assessments, however these can be inaccurate.