ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments have become increasingly popular as service wait times are at an all-time high. Those registered in England with a GP can choose to have their ADHD assessed privately using their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows patients to be diagnosed and assessed within months, compared to waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
An increasing number of people are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD. It is estimated that over one million adults have undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and wait times for NHS assessments are rising. In certain areas, it could take up to seven years to get an appointment for an assessment. A few prominent people have been vocal about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. Many adults who need medical attention must seek it privately.
In some instances patients were told they would need to wait 18 months to be given an order for ADHD medication. The shortage of staff within the public health system is to blame. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with demand. Referrals are the result of the absence of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private providers like Psychiatry UK, resulting in lengthy waiting periods for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate over the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation involved an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics, all of which diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC has claimed that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without giving proper advice regarding possible adverse consequences. Despite these claims however, the BBC report has been criticized for failing 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. The increasing awareness of the condition and the increasing number of people seeking a diagnosis are to blame. The demand for NHS services has exceeded the capacity of the service, and some areas are unable to offer an assessment. Those who are lucky enough to get an assessment on the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are a few ways that people can cut their waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to speak to their GP and explain the reason they think that they might be suffering from the disorder. Their doctor should be aware of their concerns and refer them for an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be frustrating. There is a huge demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is unable to meet this demand. This has led to many alternatives, from online assessments to private clinics. These are not always reliable and can result in an incorrect diagnosis.
It is important to consult an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD for a diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist may not possess the expertise, knowledge, or expertise required to diagnose ADHD. If you're unsure of who to contact you can check with your local mental health service for a list of approved providers. You can request your GP for the referral to a specialist. This is the quickest way to receive an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more and more commonplace, and many people seek help. There is no cure for ADHD but there are treatments that can improve 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 assist you in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They'll also want information about your childhood and your family history. They will then create an individual plan for you that may include medication, psychotherapy or the combination of both.
You have a legal choice if your GP suggests an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use this Right to Choose service click here to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your region. You can also make use of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and offer 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 evaluations to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) along with other presenting issues like depression and anxiety.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing and the trend is expected to continue. This is due to a combination of factors, such as increased awareness about the condition, a lack of funding for the NHS, and a world where mental health issues are more common. In addition, many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their relationships and careers, and are prepared to be willing to pay for a diagnosis in order that they can get treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which looked at the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary from BBC Panorama revealed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds to receive mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue, and it is something that needs to be addressed by the government.
Presently, adults can select which psychiatrist they want to visit for an appointment. However this option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions as well as to GPs with agreements with these providers. GPs may be overworked and are unable to provide a complete service for adults with ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have increased in popularity since they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are great, but others are not as reliable 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 them to live better lives and could waste money that could be used on other services, such as those for anxiety or depression.
Certain NHS services, on the other hand are exceptional and offer a professional and 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. But even these services are struggling to cope with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population, and they are unlikely to change unless the government improves investment in mental health care.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly however it could be worth it if in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis is crucial to your well-being and can help you improve many areas of your life, including work and relationships. Your insurance provider should be informed of any diagnosis in order to determine the best level of protection for you.
If you are a member of a private health insurance policy it is important to review the terms and conditions of the policy to determine if 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 won't pay the assessment fee while others will. It is important to review the terms and conditions carefully to know what they cover.
GPs may not be able to refer a patient for an ADHD evaluation for a number of reasons. However, this is not always the situation. If your GP will not help you, try another. If your GP won't sign a shared-care agreement with you for medication, you can try to get a second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments, however they can be misleading.