ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular as service wait times are at an all-time high. Those registered in England with a GP can opt to be referred privately using their 'Right of Choice'.
This enables them to be assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A growing number of people are seeking to diagnose ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that nearly one million adults are undiagnosed with ADHD. The waiting times for NHS assessments have risen dramatically. In some areas it can take up to seven years to make an appointment for an assessment. Famous people, like Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken about their experiences with the disease. However many adults who require an assessment are forced to seek assistance privately.
In a few instances patients were told they would have wait 18 months to be given an order for ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is to blame. This is especially true in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with the demand. The lack of a top-down strategy to treat ADHD is to blame as services are overwhelmed by referrals. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD evaluation to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate on the way private clinics diagnosis ADHD. The investigation involved an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics. All of them diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC claims that these clinics speed through assessments and prescribe powerful medications without providing adequate advice about side effects. Despite these claims however, the BBC report has been criticized for failing to focus its attention on the larger issues surrounding the provision ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. This is a result of increased awareness and a growing number of patients seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand has even surpassed the capacity of NHS services, with some areas unable to provide an assessment in any way. Those who are lucky enough to get an assessment on the NHS face long waits for treatment.
There are several methods to speed up the time it takes to receive an ADHD diagnosis. First, they must talk to their GP to discuss the reasons they think they might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned and send them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be difficult. The NHS is unable to meet the demand for ADHD tests. This has led to numerous shortcuts, from online assessments to private clinics. They aren't always accurate and could lead to a incorrect diagnosis.
It is important to consult a psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD in the event of an diagnosis. A general practitioner or a psychologist may not possess the skills, knowledge and expertise required to diagnose ADHD. If you are unsure who to call, check with your local mental health services for the list of approved providers. You could also request your GP to refer you to a specialist which is typically the quickest way to get an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and a lot of people are seeking help for the condition. Although it isn't possible to treat the condition 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 reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist with a specialization in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms for difficulty concentrating, problems with working memory, poor sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also request information about your childhood and your family history. Then, they will create a plan that is tailored to you. This could include medication or psychotherapy.
You can make a legal decision when your GP suggests an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to select a clinic in your area that provides NHS assessments. You can also go to a private clinic for NHS assessments. These clinics have much shorter waiting times and offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of combined experience in providing holistic psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) along with other presenting issues like anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD tests is increasing and is set to continue. This is due to a variety of factors, including a growing awareness about the condition, a underfunded NHS and a world where mental health issues are more common. Additionally, many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their careers and relationships, and are prepared to be willing to pay for a diagnosis in order that they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which examined the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised the issue that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The BBC Panorama documentary revealed that private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds for mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a major issue and something that must be addressed by the government.
At present, the NHS lets adults choose which psychiatrist to see for a diagnosis appointment. This choice is usually limited to specific NHS health regions or doctors who have contracts with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and unable to provide full-service for adults with ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually less expensive than NHS appointments.
While some of these private services perform well, others are not as reliable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which could more info cause patients to become overly concerned with their symptoms. This will not allow patients live a better life, and it will also waste money that could be spent on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
Certain NHS services however are exceptional and offer a professional and comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a nationally acclaimed center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. However, these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population, and they're not likely to improve unless the government improves investment in mental health care.
Insurance
A private ADHD evaluation can be costly however it could be worth it if in a position to afford it. The diagnosis is crucial for your overall health and can assist you in improving various aspects of your life such as work and relationships. Your insurance provider should be informed of any diagnosis in order to determine the most appropriate level of protection for you.
If you are a member of a private health insurance policy, you should check its terms and conditions 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 cover the assessment, but others will. It is essential to study the terms and conditions carefully to fully understand what they cover.
GPs can refuse to refer a patient for an ADHD evaluation for a number of reasons. However this isn't always the situation. If your GP will not help, find another. If your GP won't sign a shared care agreement with you regarding medication, it is possible to seek another opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a variety of online ADHD tests that are available however, they can be incorrect.