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. Patients in England with a GP can opt to be referred privately making use of their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to get assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, as opposed to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
An increasing number of people are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD. In the UK, it is estimated that over one million adults are not diagnosed with ADHD. The wait times for NHS assessments have risen significantly. In some areas it can take up seven years to secure an appointment for an assessment. Celebrities, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken about their experiences with the disease. Many adults who need medical attention must seek it privately.
In a few instances, patients were told they would need wait 18 months to be given a prescription for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of personnel in the public health system. The problem is especially acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with demand. Referrals are a result of the lack of a top-down strategy for ADHD. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private companies such as Psychiatry UK. The result is a long wait for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. An undercover journalist visited three private clinics and was diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribe powerful medication without providing proper advice about adverse effects. Despite these allegations however, the BBC report has been criticized for its inability to focus its attention on the larger issues relating to the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of over 10,000 adult ADHD patients. This is due to increasing awareness and a rising number of people seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services and some areas are not able to offer an assessment even. Those who are fortunate enough to receive an assessment through the NHS will have long waits before they are able to receive treatment.
There are a few ways for people to reduce the time it takes to wait to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to speak to their GP and explain why they think that they might have the condition. The doctor should take their concerns seriously and refer them for an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the process can be a bit difficult. The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments. This has led to many short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These aren't always reliable and can lead to incorrect diagnosis.
It is essential to speak with a psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD when seeking a diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist may not possess the expertise, knowledge, or expertise required to diagnose ADHD. If you are unsure who to contact, check with your local mental health service for the list of approved providers. You may also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is typically the quickest method of getting an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more common, and many people seek assistance. There is no cure for ADHD, however there are treatment options that can help check here improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. In addition, some people are taking supplements to help reduce the symptoms.
A psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can evaluate your symptoms, including difficulties concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood, and your family history. They will then create an individualized plan for you, which could include medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.
You have a legal choice when your GP refers you to an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose a clinic in your area that provides NHS assessments. Alternatively, you can also use the services of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics have much 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 combined experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric assessments to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues such as anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD tests is increasing and the trend is expected to continue. This is due to a mix of factors, such as increased awareness about the condition, a deficient NHS, and a world where mental health issues are becoming more frequent. Additionally, many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can do to their lives and relationships, and are prepared to pay for a diagnosis so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which looked at the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary from BBC Panorama revealed that private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds to receive poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious issue that the government needs to address.
The NHS lets adults choose which psychiatrist to visit for a diagnosis appointment. This option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions, or to doctors who have contracts with these providers. The GPs are often overwhelmed and unable to provide a complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are great however, others aren't as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which could cause patients to become obsessed with their symptoms. This will not allow them live better lives and will cost money that could be used on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
Some NHS services however, are exemplary, and provide a professional and complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a well-known center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these facilities are in a struggle to meet the demands of increasing numbers of patients.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be expensive but it can be worth it if you're in a position to afford it. The diagnosis can improve your living quality and help you in many areas, including your relationships and work. Your insurance provider should be informed of any diagnosis in order to determine the best amount of coverage for you.
If you have an insurance policy for private health, you should check its terms and conditions to determine whether it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private health insurance providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some companies won't be required to pay the assessment cost, while others will. You should review the terms and conditions attentively to learn what they cover.
GPs may refuse to refer patients for an ADHD assessment for different reasons, but this is not always the case. If your GP does not want to help you, try finding a different one. If your doctor won't sign a shared-care contract with you, you may have a second opinion in an ADHD clinic. There are several online ADHD tests that are available, but they can be misleading.