ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular since wait times are at an all-time high. Anyone who is registered in England with a GP can opt to have their ADHD assessed privately applying for a 'Right of choice'.
This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, as opposed to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A increasing number of people seek a diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that more than a million adults have undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are increasing. In some areas, it can take up to seven years to make an appointment for an assessment. A few prominent people have been vocal about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However many people who require an assessment are forced to seek assistance privately.
In a few instances patients have been informed that they must wait up to 18 months before receiving an appointment for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of personnel in the public health system. The problem is particularly acute in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with demand. A lack of a top-down strategy to treat ADHD is the cause, with services swamped by referrals. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private providers such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate on the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. An undercover journalist toured three private clinics and was diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribe powerful medication without offering proper advice on side effects. Despite these claims, the BBC report has been criticized for its inability to pay attention to the bigger issues surrounding the provision of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. The increased awareness of the condition and the growing number of people seeking an assessment are the reason. The demand has surpassed the capacity of NHS services and some areas are being unable to offer an assessment even. Those who are lucky enough to receive an assessment from the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are a few ways that people can reduce the time they wait to receive an ADHD diagnosis. First, they should talk to their GP to explain the reason they believe they may have ADHD. The doctor should be aware of their concerns and refer them for an examination.
Psychiatrists
The process of being diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrating for adults. The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments. This has lead to a lot of shortcuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These aren't always reliable and could lead to a misdiagnosis.
It is important to consult a psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD when seeking a diagnosis. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to diagnose ADHD. If you're unsure who to call, you can ask your local mental health service for a list. You may 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. There is no cure for ADHD, but there are treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. In addition, some are also taking supplements to reduce the symptoms.
A specialist psychiatrist in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask for information about your childhood and your family history. They will then devise an individualized plan for you that may include psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both.
You have a right to choose in the event that your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use the Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your area. Alternatively, you can also make use of private clinics that offer NHS assessments. These clinics offer video calls and have shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) along with other issues that present like anxiety and depression.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is on the rise and is expected to grow. It is partly down to the increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming more common. Many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay to get diagnosed in order to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics caused concern about the way in which companies exploit vulnerable patients. The program revealed that some private clinics are charging people thousands of pounds for poor assessment services and poor aftercare. This is a serious concern and something that must be addressed by the government.
Currently, the NHS allows adults to select which psychiatrist to visit for a diagnostic appointment. This choice is usually limited to certain NHS health regions or GPs with contracts with these providers. In the end, GPs are often overburdened with this work and may not be able provide a full range of services to adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity since they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are excellent, but others are not as reliable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which can lead patients to become overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not help their lives and waste money that could have been used for other services such as depression or anxiety.
However, some NHS services are excellent and provide a professional and comprehensive service for adults suffering from ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and care. Even these services are struggling with the demand of increasing numbers of patients.
Insurance
It can be costly to have a private ADHD assessment but it's well worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis can enhance your quality of living and help more info you in many areas including your relationships and work. It is important to inform your insurance provider of any medical condition so that they can assist you in determining the best level of protection for you.
If you are a member of a private health insurance policy be sure to 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 exam, but others will. It is important to go over the terms and conditions carefully to find out what they cover.
Doctors may refuse to refer a patient for an ADHD evaluation for a number of reasons. However, this is not always the situation. If your GP does not want to assist you, try finding a different one. If your GP won't sign a shared care agreement with you for medication, it is possible to get a second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a variety of online ADHD tests available however, they can be inaccurate.