ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments have become increasingly popular since wait times are at an all-time high. Anyone who is 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 a matter of months, as opposed to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
A growing number of people are seeking to diagnose ADHD. In the UK, it is estimated that over one million adults are not diagnosed with ADHD. The wait times for NHS assessments have increased significantly. In certain areas, it could take up seven years to secure an appointment for an assessment. High-profile individuals, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken out about their experiences with the disease. However many adults with a diagnosis are forced to seek assistance privately.
In a few instances patients have been informed that they have to wait up to 18 months before receiving an appointment for ADHD medication. The shortage of staff within the public health system is the reason. The problem is especially acute in Greater Manchester where service providers are struggling to meet the demand. A lack of a top-down strategy to treat ADHD is the cause, with services swamped by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing adult ADHD evaluation to private providers like Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times 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 deemed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics speed 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 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 increased awareness of ADHD and the increasing number of people who seek an assessment are the reason. The demand has surpassed the capacity of NHS services, with some areas unable to provide an assessment even. Those who are fortunate enough to receive an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for long periods before they are able to receive treatment.
There are a variety of ways for people to reduce the time it takes to wait to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to talk to their GP and explain the reason they think they may be suffering from the condition. Your GP should be concerned and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the process can be a bit difficult. The NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for ADHD assessments. This has lead to a lot of shortcuts, ranging from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always reliable and can result in a misdiagnosis.
When seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is crucial to consult a psychiatrist that is specialized in this disorder. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the knowledge or expertise required to diagnose. If you're not sure who to contact, ask your local mental health service for the list. You can request your GP for an appointment with a specialist. This is the quickest method of receiving an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and a lot of people are seeking help for the condition. While it is not possible to cure the disorder but there are a number of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicines, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. Certain people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms for difficulties in concentrating, issues with working memory, sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood and your family history. They will then work out an individualized plan for you, which could include medication, psychotherapy or an amalgamation of both.
You have a legal choice if your GP suggests an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use the Right to Choose service to select a clinic that offers NHS assessments in your location. You can also make use of private clinics that offer NHS assessments. These clinics have shorter waiting times and offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have a collective experience of more than 23 years of providing holistic psychiatric assessments as well as psychotherapeutic treatments for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as other presenting issues like depression and anxiety.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is increasing, and this trend is expected to continue. This is partly due to increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming increasingly common. Many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay to get diagnosed in order to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics caused concern about the way in which companies exploit vulnerable patients. The BBC Panorama documentary revealed that some private clinics charge people thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious problem that the government needs to address.
At present, the NHS allows adults to choose which psychiatrist to see for a diagnosis appointment. This option is usually restricted to a few NHS health regions or doctors who have agreements with these providers. GPs may be overworked and unable to provide a complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have increased in popularity, as they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are good however, others aren't as dependable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis, and there is a chance that this will result in patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. This won't improve their lives and will cause a loss of money that could be used for other services such as depression or anxiety.
Some NHS services on the other hand are exceptional and provide a professional and complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London, is a nationally recognized center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. But even these services are struggling to cope with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population, and they're not likely to improve unless the government increases investment in mental health care.
Insurance
A private ADHD evaluation can be costly but it can be worth it if you're in a position to afford it. The diagnosis is crucial for your overall health and can assist you in improving many areas 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 have an insurance policy for private health it is important to review 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 important to read the terms and condition carefully to fully understand what they cover.
GPs may not be able to refer a patient for check here an ADHD evaluation due to a variety of reasons. However it isn't always the case. If your GP will not help you, try another. If your GP won't agree to a shared-care arrangement with you, you can seek a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are several online ADHD tests to choose from, but they can be incorrect.