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. Patients who have a GP in England have the option of using their "Right to Choice" and request to be referred to a private provider.
This allows patients to be diagnosed and assessed in a matter of months, which is a far cry from waiting for 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 more than one million adults are undiagnosed with ADHD. The waiting times for NHS assessments have increased dramatically. In some areas, it can take up to seven years for an assessment appointment to be available. 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 adults with a diagnosis are having to seek assistance privately.
In a few instances patients were told that they would have wait 18 months to receive the prescription for ADHD medication. The shortage of staff within the public health system is to blame. The problem is especially acute in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with demand. A lack of a top-down strategy to treat ADHD is the reason the issue, as services are swamped by referrals. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private providers such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in long wait periods for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate over the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation was conducted by an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics, all of which diagnosed him with the condition. The BBC claims that these clinics speed through assessments and prescribe powerful drugs without providing adequate advice about the adverse effects. However, the BBC's report has been criticised for failing to focus on the wider issues surrounding the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of over 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The increasing awareness of ADHD and the increasing number of people who seek an assessment are the reason. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services and some areas are being unable to offer an assessment at all. Those who are lucky enough to get an assessment on the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are many methods to speed up the time required to wait for ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain why they believe they may have the condition. Their GP should be aware of their concerns and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it can be difficult. There is a high demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is struggling to meet this demand. This has led to many ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. They aren't always accurate and could lead to a misdiagnosis.
It is crucial to consult an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD for an diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the necessary knowledge of skills, experience and expertise to make a diagnosis. If you're not sure who to contact you can check with your local mental health service for a list of approved providers. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist which is usually the fastest method to receive an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more common, and many people seek assistance. There is no cure for the disorder but there are treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicine and psychotherapy as well as lifestyle changes. Some people also take supplements to help reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can evaluate you for signs such as difficulties in concentrating, issues with working memory, sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood, as well as your family history. They will then create an individual plan for you, which could include psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both.
You have a right to choose in the event that your GP refers you to an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use this Right to Choose service to choose a clinic that provides NHS assessments in your area. You can also make use of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics can make video calls and have shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney, have combined experience of more than 23 years in providing holistic psychiatric assessment and psychotherapeutic interventions to adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting problems like anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing and is expected to continue. This is due to a combination of factors, including a growing awareness about the condition, a underfunded NHS, and a world where mental health issues are becoming more frequent. Additionally, many sufferers can see the harm that untreated ADHD can do to their relationships and careers, and are prepared to pay for a diagnosis so that they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics caused concern about the way in which companies exploit vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama exposed that some private clinics charge people thousands of pounds to receive mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue, and it is something that must be addressed by the government.
Currently, the NHS allows adults to choose which psychiatrist to visit to schedule a diagnostic appointment. This option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions or doctors who have agreements with these providers. The GPs are often overwhelmed and not able to provide a complete service for people suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity because they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
While some of these private companies are good at what they do but others aren't as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which can lead patients to become obsessed about their symptoms. This will not help their lives and waste money that could have been used for other services such as anxiety or depression.
Certain NHS services however, are exemplary, and offer a professional, complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is nationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and care. These services are also struggling with the demand of an ever-growing patient population.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly but it can be worth it if in a position to pay for it. 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. You should inform your insurance provider of any diagnosis so they can advise you on the best level of protection for you.
If you have an insurance policy for private health be sure to check its terms and conditions to see whether it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private health insurance 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 important to read the terms and conditions attentively to learn what they cover.
Doctors may refuse to refer a patient to an ADHD evaluation due to a variety of reasons. However this isn't always the case. If your GP is unwilling to help then find a different. If your GP won't check here sign a shared care agreement with you for medication, you can try to get a second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are many online ADHD tests to choose from however they could be misleading.