ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With service wait times at an all-time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. Patients in England with a GP can choose to be referred privately by using their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, as opposed to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A increasing number of people seek a diagnosis of ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that more than one million adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD. Waiting times for NHS assessments have increased dramatically. In some areas, it can take up to seven years for an appointment to become available. Celebrities, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas, have also spoken out about their experiences with the disease. However many people with an assessment are forced to seek assistance privately.
In some instances patients were told that they would have to wait 18 months to be given the prescription for ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is the reason. The issue is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers struggle to meet demand. Referrals are the result of the absence of a top-down approach for ADHD. This has resulted in the outsourcing adult ADHD assessment to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over how private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation involved an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics, and all of them diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC claims that these clinics speed through assessments and prescribe powerful drugs without offering proper advice on side effects. Despite these claims however, the BBC report has been criticized for failing to pay attention to the bigger issues surrounding the delivery 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 increasing awareness and a rising number of people seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services, with some areas being unable to offer an assessment even. Those who are lucky enough to get an assessment on the NHS face long waits for treatment.
There are a variety of ways to reduce the time it takes to receive an ADHD diagnosis. First, they must talk to their GP to discuss the reasons they believe they may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned and send them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrating for adults. There is a high demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is struggling to meet it. This has led to many alternatives, from online assessments to private clinics. They aren't always accurate and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.
When seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is essential to consult a psychiatrist that is specialized in this disorder. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the expertise, skills and experience to diagnose. If you're not sure which one to go to you can check with the local mental health services 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.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and a lot of people are seeking help for the condition. There is no cure for ADHD, however there are treatment options that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle modifications. Additionally, some people are also taking supplements to reduce the symptoms.
A specialist psychiatrist in ADHD can help find the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate you for signs such as difficulty concentrating, problems with working memory, sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood, and your family history. They will then devise a personalised plan for you, which could include psychotherapy, medication, or the combination of both.
If you're recommended an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England, you have a legal right to choose which provider to see. You can use the Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your area. You can also choose a private clinic to do NHS assessments. These clinics offer 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 psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) alongside other presenting issues like depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is on the rise and is expected to continue. This is due to a mix of factors, including a growing awareness of the condition, a lack of funding for the NHS, and a world where mental health issues are more common. Many sufferers are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD could cause to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay to get diagnosed so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics caused concern about the way in which companies exploit vulnerable patients. The programme exposed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for poor assessment services and poor aftercare. This is a major issue and something that must be addressed by the government.
Currently, adults can choose which doctor they wish to see for an appointment. This option is typically restricted to a few NHS health regions, or to GPs with contracts with these providers. In the end, doctors are often overwhelmed by this work and may not be able provide a complete service to adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have increased in popularity, as they are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are good, but others are not as dependable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis, and there is a chance that this could lead to patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. This won't help them live better lives and will cost money that could be used on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
Some NHS services on the other hand, are exemplary, and offer a professional and comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London, is a nationally recognized center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. These services are also having to cope with the demands of increasing numbers of patients.
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 for your quality of life and can assist you in improving various aspects of your life including relationships and work. Your insurance provider must be informed of any diagnosis to determine the best amount of coverage for you.
If adhd private assessment are a member of an insurance policy for private health, you should check the terms and conditions of the policy to see whether 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 be required to pay the assessment cost, while others will. It is essential to read the terms and condition carefully to understand what they cover.
Doctors may not send patients to an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons however this isn't always a valid reason. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, then try finding a different one. If your GP will not sign a shared care contract with you for medication, you can try to seek an additional opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are many online ADHD tests available however they could be inaccurate.