ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for service at an all time high private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. Patients who have a GP in England can use their "Right to Choice" and request to be sent to a private company.
This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, rather than waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
An increasing number of people are seeking to diagnose ADHD. In the UK, it is estimated that more than one million adults are undiagnosed with ADHD. The waiting times for NHS assessments have increased dramatically. In certain regions, it could take up to seven years for an assessment appointment to become available. Some high-profile individuals have spoken out 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 were told they would need to wait 18 months to get a prescription for ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is the reason. The issue is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers struggle to meet demand. Referrals are the result of the absence of a top-down strategy for ADHD. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about the method by which private clinics diagnosis ADHD. An undercover journalist visited three private clinics and was deemed with ADHD by all. The BBC has claimed that these clinics rush through tests and prescribing dangerous medications without offering proper advice regarding possible adverse consequences. Despite these claims, the BBC's report has been criticised for not focusing on the larger issues relating to the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. This is a result of increasing awareness and a rising number of people seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and some areas aren't able to provide an assessment. Those who are lucky enough to get an assessment on the NHS have long wait times for treatment.
There are several ways to cut down the time it takes to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to speak to their GP and explain the reason they think they may have the condition. Their GP should be aware of their concerns and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it can be a bit difficult. There is a high demand for ADHD assessments, but the NHS is unable to meet this demand. This has lead to numerous shortcuts, from private clinics to online assessments. They aren't always reliable and can result in an incorrect diagnosis.
When seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is essential to seek out an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this type of condition. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the knowledge, skills and experience to diagnose. If you're not sure which one to go to, check with your local mental health services for a list of approved providers. You may also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is usually the fastest method of getting an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking help for the disorder. There is no cure for ADHD, however there are treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. Some people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
A psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD can help you find the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms for difficulty in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood, as well as your family history. They will then make a plan tailored to you. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
You can make a legal decision if your GP suggests an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose a clinic in your area that provides NHS assessments. You can also choose a private clinic to do NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and offer shorter waiting times.
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 for adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in addition to other issues such as anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing and the trend is set to continue. This is partly due to increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and a world in which mental health issues are becoming increasingly widespread. Many patients are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD could cause to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay to be 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 documentary from BBC Panorama revealed that some private clinics charge people thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious concern and something that must be addressed by the government.
private adhd assessments allows adults to choose which psychiatrist to visit for a diagnosis appointment. However this option is usually restricted to specific NHS health regions and to GPs with agreements with these providers. This means that GPs are often overwhelmed with this work and might not be able to provide a complete service to adults with ADHD. This has led to an increase in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are great, but others are not as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis, and there is a danger that this will result in patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. This won't help them live better lives, and it will also waste money that could be spent on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
However, certain NHS services are excellent and provide a professional, comprehensive service to adults with ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is nationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these facilities are in a struggle to meet the demands of increasing numbers of patients.
Insurance
It can be costly to get an in-depth ADHD assessment, but it's worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis can enhance your living conditions and assist you in a variety of areas including your work and relationships. You should inform your insurance company of any medical condition so that they can help you determine the right level of cover for you.
If you have an insurance policy for private health be sure to check the terms and conditions of the policy to determine whether it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some will not cover the exam, but others will. It is important to read the terms and conditions carefully to find out what they cover.
GPs may not be able to refer a patient to an ADHD evaluation due to a variety of reasons. However it isn't always the situation. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, then try to find another one. If your GP will not sign a shared care agreement with you regarding medication, you can try to get an additional opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are many online ADHD tests to choose from however they could be misleading.