ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for services at an all time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Anyone who is registered in England with a GP are able to opt to be referred privately by making use of their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to get assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, rather than waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting 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 dramatically. In certain regions, it could take up to seven years for an assessment appointment to become available. High-profile individuals, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas, have also spoken out about their experiences with the condition. However many people in need of a diagnosis are having to seek out help privately.
In some cases, patients have been told that they have to wait up to 18 months for a prescription of ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is at fault. The problem is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with the demand. Referrals are a result of the lack of a top-down approach for ADHD. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private companies such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in lengthy waiting periods for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate over the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation involved an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics, all of which diagnosed the patient with the condition. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are rushing through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without providing proper guidance about the possible side effects. Despite these claims the BBC's report has been criticised for failing to focus on the wider issues that surround 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 ADHD and the increasing number of people who seek for a diagnosis are to blame. The demand has even surpassed the capacity of NHS services, with some areas being unable to offer an assessment in any way. Those who are lucky enough to receive an assessment from the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are a variety of methods to speed up the time required to wait for ADHD diagnoses. First, they should speak to their GP to explain why they believe they may be suffering from ADHD. The doctor should be aware of their concerns and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a snooze for adults. There is a lot of demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is unable to meet this demand. This has led to numerous ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. They aren't always accurate and can lead to a misdiagnosis.
When seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is essential to seek out a psychiatrist who specialises in this type of condition. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the expertise, skills and experience to determine a diagnosis. If you are unsure who to contact you can check with your local mental health services for a list of approved providers. You can request your GP for an appointment with a specialist. This is the fastest method to get an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more and more commonplace, and many people seek help. While it is not possible to completely cure the disorder but there are a number of treatments that can reduce symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Some people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
A psychiatrist with a specialization in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms, including difficulties concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleeping habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask for details about your childhood and your family history. They will then devise a personalised plan for you which could include medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.
If you are referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England, you have a legal right choose the clinic you want to visit. You can use the Right to Choose service to choose a clinic that provides NHS assessments in your location. Alternately, you can avail the services of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics can make video calls and shorter waiting times.
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 to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as other issues that present like depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to increase. This is due to a combination of factors, including increased awareness about the condition, a underfunded NHS and a world where mental health issues are becoming more common. Many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD could cause to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay for getting diagnosed so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which examined the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised the issue that some businesses are exploitation of vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama exposed that some private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds to receive mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious concern and is something that must be addressed by the government.
At present, the NHS allows adults to select the psychiatrist they want to see for a diagnostic appointment. This option is typically restricted to a few NHS health regions, or to GPs with contracts with these providers. The GPs are often overwhelmed and are unable to provide a complete service for people suffering from 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 good however, others aren't as dependable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which can lead patients to be overly concerned with their symptoms. This will not help patients live a better life and could cost money that could be used on other services, such as those for depression or anxiety.
In contrast, some NHS services are exemplary and provide a professional complete service to adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a well-known center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. These services are also in a struggle to meet the demands of increasing numbers of patients.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly but it can be worth it if you're in a position to afford it. The diagnosis can boost your living conditions and help you in many areas including your relationships at work and in other areas. It is important to inform your insurance provider of any medical condition so that they can help you determine the right level of cover for you.
Check your policy's terms and conditions to determine if it covers ADHD tests. 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 examination, while others will. You should read website 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 is not always justified. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, look for a different one. If your GP will not sign a shared care agreement with you for medication, it is possible to seek a second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a variety of online ADHD tests to choose from, but they can be inaccurate.