ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments have become increasingly popular as service wait times are at an all-time high. Patients in England with a GP can choose to be referred privately making use of their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows patients to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, which is a far cry from waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A increasing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. In the UK, it is estimated that more than one million adults are undiagnosed with ADHD. The waiting times for NHS assessments have risen significantly. In some areas, it can take up seven years to secure an appointment for an assessment. Some high-profile individuals have been vocal about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However, many adults with a diagnosis are having to seek assistance privately.
In a few instances patients have been informed that they will have to wait up to 18 months for the prescription of ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of personnel in the public health system. The problem is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with the demand. Referrals are a result of the absence of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private companies such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in long wait periods for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate on the way private clinics diagnosis ADHD. The investigation included an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics, all of which diagnosed the patient with the condition. The BBC has claimed that these clinics rush through tests and prescribing dangerous drugs without providing proper guidance regarding possible adverse consequences. However the BBC's report has been criticized for failing to focus on the wider issues that surround the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. This is due to an increase in awareness and a growing number of people seeking to diagnose the condition. The demand for NHS services has surpassed the capacity of the service, and some areas are unable to offer an assessment. If you are fortunate enough to receive an assessment from the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are a few ways to cut their waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain the reason they think that they might be suffering from the condition. Their doctor should be aware of their concerns and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be a bit difficult. The NHS is unable to meet the demand for ADHD tests. This has led to a variety of shortcuts, from online assessments to private clinics. They aren't always reliable and could lead to an incorrect diagnosis.
It is essential to speak with a psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD in the event of an assessment. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the necessary knowledge or expertise required to make a diagnosis. If you're not sure who to call, you can ask your local mental health clinic for a list. You can request your GP for the referral to a specialist. This is the fastest method of receiving an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking help for the disorder. There is no cure for ADHD however there are treatments which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications as well as psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments. Additionally, some people are taking supplements to help reduce the symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate you for signs such as difficulties in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood and your family history. They will then devise an individualized plan for you that may include psychotherapy, medication or an amalgamation of both.
You can make a legal decision when your GP refers you to an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use this Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your region. Alternatively, you can also make use of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics offer video calls and have shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney, have combined experience of more than 23 years providing holistic psychiatric assessments as well as psychotherapeutic interventions to adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues like anxiety and depression.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to grow. It is due to increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming more prevalent. Additionally, many sufferers can see the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their careers and relationships, and are prepared to pay for a diagnosis so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics raised concerns about companies exploiting vulnerable patients. The programme exposed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for mediocre assessment services and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious issue and something that must be addressed by the government.
The NHS lets adults choose the psychiatrist they want to see for a diagnostic appointment. This option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions, or to GPs with agreements with these providers. As a result, doctors are often overwhelmed by this work and may not be able provide a full range of services to adults with ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have risen in popularity because they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are good However, some aren't as dependable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis, and there is a danger that this will result in patients who are overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not help them to live better lives and will cause a loss of money that could be spent on other services, like those for anxiety adhd private assessments or depression.
Certain NHS services on the other hand are excellent and provide a professional and comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a nationally acclaimed center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. But even these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of an expanding patient population, and they're unlikely to improve unless the government improves investment in mental health services.
Insurance
It can be costly to undergo an individual ADHD assessment, but it's worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis is crucial for your overall health and can assist you in improving many areas of your life, including work and relationships. Your insurance provider must be informed of any diagnosis to determine the most appropriate level of coverage you need.
Examine your policy's terms & conditions to determine whether it covers ADHD tests. The four major private health insurance providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some companies will not be required to pay the assessment cost, while others will. It is important to review the terms and conditions carefully to understand what they cover.
GPs might not be able to send patients to an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons but this isn't always a valid reason. If your GP does not want to assist you, try to find another one. If your GP will not sign a shared-care agreement with you regarding medication, it is possible to get another opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are also several online ADHD assessments, however these can be misleading.