ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular as wait times are at an all-time high. 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 patients to be assessed and diagnosed within a matter of months, as opposed to waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
An increasing number of people are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that over one million adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD. The waiting times for NHS assessments have risen dramatically. In some areas, it can take up to seven years to get an appointment for an assessment. A few prominent people have spoken out about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However many adults in need of a diagnosis are forced to seek out help privately.
In some cases, patients have been told that they will have to wait for up to 18 months for an appointment for ADHD medication. This is due to the shortage of staff in the public health system. The problem is especially severe in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with the demand. The absence of a top-down strategy for ADHD is the cause, with services swamped by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing of adult ADHD evaluation to private providers like Psychiatry UK. The result is a long wait for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate over the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. An undercover journalist toured three private clinics and was diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribe powerful medications without offering proper advice on side effects. Despite these claims, the BBC report has been criticized as failing to pay attention to the bigger issues surrounding the provision ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The growing awareness of the condition and the growing number of people who seek for a diagnosis are to blame. The demand for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and some areas are unable to offer an assessment. For those fortunate enough to receive an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for a long time before they can get treatment.
There are several ways for people to cut their waiting time to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to talk to their GP and explain why they think that they might be suffering from the disorder. Their GP should be concerned and recommend an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be frustrating. There is a huge demand for ADHD assessments, yet the NHS is struggling to meet the demand. This has lead to a lot of short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. They aren't always accurate and can lead to mistaken diagnosis.
If you're seeking a diagnosis for ADHD it is essential to find a psychiatrist who specialises in this condition. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the expertise, skills and experience to determine a diagnosis. 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 an expert. This is the quickest method to get 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 that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Certain people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist with a specialization in ADHD can help you find the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, poor sleeping habits, and emotional dysregulation. They'll also want details about your childhood and your family history. They will then devise a personalised plan for you that may include medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.
If you are referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England you have the legal right to choose the clinic you want to visit. This Right to Choose service allows you to select a clinic in your area that provides NHS assessments. You can also go to a private clinic to do NHS assessments. These clinics have shorter waiting times, and they also provide video calls.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have a collective experience of more than 23 years in providing holistic psychiatric assessments and psychotherapeutic treatments for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) along with other issues such as anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing, and this trend is set to continue. This is due to a mix of factors, including a growing awareness about the condition, a underfunded NHS, and a world where mental health issues are becoming more common. In addition, a lot of sufferers can see the harm that untreated ADHD can do to their careers and relationships and are willing to be willing to pay for a diagnosis in order that they can get treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which focused on the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised the issue that some businesses are exploitation of vulnerable patients. The BBC Panorama documentary revealed that some private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious problem that the government needs to address.
The NHS allows adults to select the psychiatrist they want to see for a diagnostic appointment. This option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions or doctors who have agreements with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and not able to provide a complete service for adults with ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
While certain private services are good at what they do however, some aren't as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which could cause patients to become obsessed about their symptoms. private adhd assessments will not help their lives, and could cause a loss of money that could be spent on other treatments such as depression or anxiety.
However, certain NHS services are exemplary and provide a professional complete service to adults suffering from ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and care. However, these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of an growing patient population, and they are unlikely to change unless the government makes better investments in mental health services.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly however it could be worth it if in a position to afford it. The diagnosis can enhance your living quality and help you in many areas including your relationships and work. You should inform your insurance company of any diagnosis so they can help you determine the best level of protection for you.
Review your policy's terms and conditions to determine if it covers ADHD tests. 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 be required to pay the assessment cost, while others will. It is crucial to read the terms and condition carefully to know what they cover.
GPs may refuse to send patients to an ADHD evaluation for different reasons but this isn't always a valid reason. If your GP will not help, find another. If your doctor won't agree to a shared-care arrangement with you, you can get a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments that are available, but these can be misleading.