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 with a GP in England can use their "Right to Choose" and choose to be referred to a private provider.
This allows them to get assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
A growing number of people are seeking to diagnose ADHD. It is estimated that over one million adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and wait times for NHS assessments are rising. In certain areas, it can take as long as seven years for an appointment to become available. A few prominent people have been vocal about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However, many adults with a diagnosis are forced to seek out help privately.
In some cases, patients have been told that they will have to wait up to 18 months before receiving an appointment for ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is to blame. The problem is especially acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to keep up with the demands. The absence of a top-down approach to ADHD is the reason, with services swamped by referrals. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private companies such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in long waiting periods for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. An undercover journalist toured three private clinics and was found to be diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are speeding through assessments and prescribing powerful medications without offering proper advice regarding possible adverse consequences. However the BBC's report has come under fire for failing to focus on the larger issues relating to the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The increased awareness of the condition and the increasing number of people who seek a diagnosis are to blame. The demand for NHS services has surpassed their capacity, and some areas are unable to offer an assessment. Those who are lucky enough to get an assessment on the NHS have long wait times for treatment.
There are several ways to reduce the time required to wait for ADHD diagnoses. First, they should talk to their GP to explain the reason they believe they may be suffering from ADHD. The doctor must take their concerns seriously and refer them for an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a snooze for adults. There is a lot of demand for ADHD assessments, yet the NHS is struggling to meet it. This has led to many alternatives, from online assessments to private clinics. These are not always accurate and can lead to mistaken diagnosis.
It is essential to speak with a psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD for an assessment. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the necessary knowledge or expertise required to determine a diagnosis. If you're unsure of which one to go to you can check with the local mental health services for a list of approved providers. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist which is usually the fastest way to get an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more common, and a lot of people seek help. While it isn't possible to cure the condition but there are a number of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. In addition, some are taking supplements to treat the symptoms.
A specialist psychiatrist in ADHD can help find the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms for difficulty in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleeping habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood, as well as your family history. They will then devise a personalised plan for you which could include psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both.
You have a right to choose in the event that your GP suggests an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use the Right to Choose service read more to choose a clinic that provides NHS assessments in your area. You can also use a private clinic to do NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times, and they also provide video calls.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric evaluations to adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues like anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is increasing and is set to continue. It is partly down to increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. In addition, a lot of sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can do to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay for a diagnosis so that they can get treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics caused concern about the way in which companies exploit vulnerable patients. The documentary revealed that certain private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for subpar assessment services and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious problem that the government needs to address.
Currently, the NHS allows adults to choose which psychiatrist to see for a diagnostic appointment. However the choice is typically restricted to specific NHS health regions and doctors who have agreements with these providers. The GPs are often overwhelmed and are unable to provide a complete service for adults with ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have risen in popularity because they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are excellent however, others aren't as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which could lead patients to become overly concerned with their symptoms. This won't improve their lives and will cause a loss of money that could be spent on other treatments such as anxiety or depression.
However, certain NHS services are exemplary and provide a professional complete service to adults suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a nationally acclaimed center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. But even these services are struggling with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population, and they're unlikely to improve unless the government makes better investments in mental health services.
Insurance
It's expensive to undergo an in-depth ADHD assessment, but it's worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis is crucial for your overall health and can assist you in improving many areas of your life including relationships and work. Your insurance provider must be aware of any diagnosis to determine the best level of protection for you.
If you are a member of an insurance policy for private health 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 will not pay for the exam, but others will. It is essential to study the terms and conditions carefully to fully understand what they cover.
GPs may not be able to refer a patient for an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons. However this isn't always the case. If your GP does not want to assist you, then try finding a different one. If your GP isn't willing to agree to a shared-care arrangement with you, you may have a second opinion in an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments that are available, but they can be inaccurate.