ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for services at an all-time high private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. Anyone who is registered in England with a GP are able to opt to have their ADHD assessed privately making use of their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows patients to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, which is a far cry from waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A increasing number of people seek the diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that more than one million adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are soaring. In some areas, it can take as long as seven years for an assessment appointment to become available. Famous people, like Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas, have also spoken out about their experiences with the condition. Many adults who require medical attention must seek it privately.
In some cases patients have been informed that they will have to wait for up to 18 months for a prescription of ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is the reason. The problem is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with the demand. Referrals are a result of the lack of a top-down approach for ADHD. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private companies like Psychiatry UK, resulting in long waiting periods 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 has claimed that these clinics are rushing through tests and prescribing dangerous medications without offering proper advice about the possible side consequences. However, the BBC's report has come under fire for not focusing on the wider 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 due to increasing awareness and a rising number of people seeking to diagnose the condition. The demand has surpassed the capacity of NHS services and some areas are unable to provide an assessment even. The lucky ones to be able to access an assessment through the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are a variety of ways to cut down the waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to speak to their GP and explain why they believe they may have the condition. The doctor 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. There is a lot of demand for ADHD assessments, but the NHS is unable to meet the demand. This has led to many ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. These are not always accurate and can lead to mistaken diagnosis.
When seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is essential to find a psychiatrist that is specialized in this condition. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the knowledge of skills, experience and expertise to diagnose. If you're unsure of which one to go to ask the local mental health services for a list of approved providers. You may also request your GP to refer you to a specialist which is usually the fastest method to receive an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and a lot of people are seeking assistance for the condition. There is no cure for ADHD however there are treatment options which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. Some people also take supplements to help reduce symptoms.
A specialist psychiatrist in ADHD can help find the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms, including difficulties in concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleeping habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask for details 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.
You have a legal choice when your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose an area-specific clinic that offers NHS assessments. You can also use the services of private clinics that offer NHS assessments. These clinics have much shorter waiting times and offer video calls.
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 disorder (ADHD) alongside other presenting issues such as depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to continue. This is partly due to the increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming more common. Many patients are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD could do to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay for getting diagnosed to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which looked at the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some businesses are exploitation of vulnerable patients. The documentary from BBC Panorama revealed that private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate aftercare. This is a major issue and is something that must be addressed by the government.
Currently, adults can choose which doctor they wish to see to make an appointment. However the choice is typically limited to specific NHS health regions as well as to doctors who have agreements with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and are unable to provide a full service for adults suffering from ADHD. This has led to an increase in private ADHD assessment services, which are typically less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are good However, some aren't as reliable 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 improve their lives, and could cause a loss of money that could have been spent on other services like anxiety or depression.
Some NHS services, on the other hand, are exemplary, and offer a professional, complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. However, even these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of an expanding patient population. they are unlikely to change unless the government improves investment in mental health care.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly but it can be worth it if in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis can enhance your quality of living and aid you in a variety of areas such as your work and relationships. Your insurance provider should be informed of any diagnosis in order to determine the best level of coverage for you.
If adhd private assessment are a member of an insurance policy for private health be sure to check the terms and conditions of the policy to see 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 won't be required to pay the assessment cost, while others will. It is essential to review the terms and conditions carefully to fully understand what they cover.
GPs may refuse to send patients to an ADHD evaluation for various reasons however this isn't always justified. If your GP isn't willing to help you, try finding a different one. If your GP will not sign a shared care agreement with you regarding medication, you may want to seek an additional opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments available, but they can be incorrect.