ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for service at an all time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. Anyone who is registered with a GP in England can use their 'Right to Choose' and request to be sent to a private company.
This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, which is a far cry from waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
A growing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that over one million adults are not diagnosed with ADHD. Waiting times for NHS assessments have risen significantly. In certain regions, it could take as long as seven years for an assessment appointment to be available. Some high-profile individuals have expressed their opinions about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. Many adults who require a diagnosis must seek help privately.
In some cases, patients have been told that they must wait up to 18 months before receiving a prescription of ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is to blame. This is especially true in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to keep up with the demands. A lack of a top-down approach to ADHD is the cause, with services swamped by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing adult ADHD assessment to private providers like Psychiatry UK. The result is a long wait for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation involved an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics, and all of them diagnosed him with the condition. The BBC has claimed that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without giving proper advice about the possible side effects. However the BBC's report has been criticised for not focusing 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. This is a result of increased awareness and a growing number of people seeking to diagnose the condition. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services and some areas are not able to offer an assessment in any way. The lucky ones to get an assessment on the NHS face long waits for treatment.
There are several ways to cut down the waiting time for an ADHD diagnoses. First, they must talk to their GP to explain the reason they think they might be suffering from ADHD. The doctor must take their concerns seriously and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be a bit difficult. The NHS is unable to keep up with the demand for ADHD tests. This has led to a lot of shortcuts, from private clinics to online assessments. They aren't always reliable and can result in an inaccurate diagnosis.
It is important to consult a psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD when seeking an assessment. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the expertise, skills and experience to make a diagnosis. If you're unsure whom to ask, consult your local mental health clinic for an alphabetical list. You could also request your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is usually the fastest method to receive an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking help for the condition. Although it isn't possible to cure the disorder however, there are a variety of treatments that can reduce symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications and psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments. Additionally, some people are taking supplements to help reduce the symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specialises private adhd assessment uk cost in ADHD can help you find the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess you for symptoms such as difficulty in concentrating, issues with working memory, sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood and your family history. Then, they will create a plan that is tailored to you. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
If you're recommended an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England you have a legal right to select the right provider. This Right to Choose service allows you to select a clinic in your area that provides NHS assessments. Alternatively, you can also use the services of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics offer video calls and shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric assessments for adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues such as anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is increasing and is expected to continue. This is due to a variety of factors, including increased awareness of the condition, a underfunded NHS, and a world where mental health issues are becoming more frequent. Many patients are aware of the damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay to get diagnosed to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics raised concerns about companies exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama exposed that some private clinics charge people thousands of pounds to receive poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a major issue and something that must be addressed by the government.
Currently, adults can choose the psychiatrist they would like to consult for an appointment. However this option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions as well as to doctors who have agreements with these providers. This means that doctors are often overwhelmed by this task and may not be able offer a full service to people suffering from ADHD. This has led to a growth in private ADHD assessment services, which are generally cheaper than NHS appointments.
While some of these private companies perform well but others aren't as reliable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which could cause patients to be overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not allow them to live better lives and could cost money that could be used on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
In contrast, some NHS services are excellent and offer a professional, comprehensive service to adults suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London, is a nationally recognized center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. These services are also in a struggle to meet the demands of an ever-growing patient population.
Insurance
It's expensive to undergo an individual ADHD assessment however it's worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis is crucial for your quality of life and can assist you in improving various aspects of your life, including work and relationships. Your insurance provider must be informed of any diagnosis to determine the most appropriate level of coverage you need.
If you are a member of a private health insurance policy, you should check the terms and conditions of the policy to determine if it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health all have different policies. Certain companies do not have to pay the assessment fee while others will. You should review the terms and conditions carefully to learn what they cover.
GPs can refuse to refer a patient to an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons. However it isn't always the situation. If your GP will not help you, try another. If your GP isn't willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you, you may seek a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are several online ADHD tests to choose from however they could be incorrect.