ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With service wait times at an all time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Patients who have a GP in England can use their "Right to Choose" and request to be sent to a private company.
This allows patients to be diagnosed and assessed in a matter of months, which is a far cry from waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
An increasing number of people are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD. It is estimated that more than a million adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and the waiting times for NHS assessments are rising. In some areas, it can take up to seven years to make an appointment for an assessment. A few prominent people have expressed their opinions about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However many people with an assessment are forced to seek assistance privately.
In some cases patients were told they'd have wait for 18 months before they could get the prescription for ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is at fault. The problem is especially acute in Greater Manchester where service providers struggle to meet the demand. A lack of a top-down approach to ADHD is the cause, with services swamped by referrals. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is long waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate on the way private clinics diagnosis ADHD. A journalist undercover visited three private clinics and was found to be diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribe powerful drugs without providing proper advice about the adverse effects. However the BBC's report has been criticised for failing to focus on the wider issues that surround the provision of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of over 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The growing awareness of ADHD and the increasing number of people seeking for a diagnosis are to blame. The demand for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and certain regions are not able to provide an assessment. Those who are fortunate enough to be able to get an assessment through the NHS will have long waits before they are able to receive treatment.
There are a variety of methods to speed up the waiting time for an ADHD diagnoses. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain the reason they believe they may be suffering from the disorder. Their GP should be concerned and send them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of being diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult for adults. The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD tests. This has lead to many shortcuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always reliable and can result in an incorrect diagnosis.
It is important to consult a psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD in the event of a diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the necessary knowledge or expertise required to make a diagnosis. If you are unsure who to call you can check with your local mental health services for an approved list of providers. You can ask your GP for an read more appointment with a specialist. This is the fastest method of receiving an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more and more commonplace, and many people seek help. There is no cure for ADHD however there are treatment options which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicines psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Additionally, some people are also taking supplements to reduce the symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD can help you find the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, poor sleeping habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood, as well as your family history. They will then create a personalised plan for you that may include medication, psychotherapy or the combination of both.
If you're referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England You have the legal right to select the right provider. This Right to Choose service allows you to select a clinic in your area that offers NHS assessments. You can also choose private clinics to conduct NHS assessments. These clinics have shorter waiting times and also offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of combined experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric evaluations for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), alongside other issues that present like anxiety and depression.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to increase. It is partly down to the increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming more widespread. Additionally, many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can do to their lives and relationships and are willing to pay for a diagnosis so that they can get treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics brought up concerns about businesses that exploit vulnerable patients. The programme exposed that some private clinics are charging patients thousands of pounds for subpar assessment services and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious issue that the government must address.
The NHS allows adults to select which psychiatrist to see to schedule a diagnostic appointment. This option is typically restricted to specific NHS health regions, or to doctors who have contracts with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and unable to provide full-service for adults suffering from ADHD. This has led to a growth in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are good, but others are not as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis itself and there is a risk that this can lead to patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. This will not improve their lives and will cause a loss of money that could have been used for other services such as anxiety or depression.
However, some NHS services are exceptional and offer a professional, comprehensive service to adults suffering from ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is nationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. These services are also struggling with the demand of a rapidly growing patient population.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be expensive however it could be worth it if in a position to afford it. The diagnosis is crucial to your well-being and can help you improve the quality of your life in many areas such as work and relationships. You should inform your insurance provider of any medical condition so that they can advise you on the right level of cover for you.
Check your policy's terms and conditions to determine whether it covers ADHD tests. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some will not pay for the exam, but others will. It is important to go over the terms and conditions carefully to understand what they cover.
GPs may refuse to refer patients for an ADHD assessment for different reasons but this isn't always the case. If your GP is unable to assist, find another. If your GP will not sign a shared-care agreement with you regarding medication, you can try to get a second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments available, but they could be incorrect.