ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments have become more popular as wait times are at an all-time high. Those registered with a GP in England can use their "Right to Choice" and opt to be sent to a private company.
This allows them to be 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 of ADHD. It is estimated that more than a million adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and wait times for NHS assessments are increasing. In some areas, it can take up to seven years to get an appointment for an assessment. Some famous people have been vocal about the condition, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However, many adults who require an assessment are forced to seek assistance privately.
In some cases patients were told that they would need wait for 18 months before they could get an order for ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is at fault. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester where service providers struggle to meet demand. Referrals result from the absence of a top-down strategy for ADHD. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private firms such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in lengthy waiting periods for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation involved 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 medications without offering proper advice about possible side effects. However the BBC's report has been criticised for failing to focus on the wider issues surrounding the provision of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The increasing awareness of ADHD and the increasing number of people seeking for a diagnosis are to blame. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services in some areas, and they are unable to provide an assessment in any way. If you are fortunate enough to receive an assessment from the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are a variety of ways to reduce the time required to wait for ADHD diagnoses. First, they must talk to their GP to explain why they think they might have ADHD. The doctor should be concerned and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrating for adults. The NHS is unable to keep up with the demand for ADHD tests. This has lead to many shortcuts, from private clinics to online assessments. They aren't always accurate and can lead to misdiagnosis.
It is important to consult a psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD for an assessment. A general practitioner or psychologist may not possess the knowledge, skills and experience required to recognize ADHD. If you are unsure which one to go to ask the local mental health services for the list of approved providers. You can request your GP for a referral to an expert. This is the quickest way to receive an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many people are seeking help for the disorder. There is no cure for the disorder however there are treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicines as well as psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments. In addition, some people are also taking supplements to reduce the symptoms.
A psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD can help find the best treatment for your symptoms. They can evaluate you for symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, problems with working memory, poor sleeping habits, and emotional dysregulation. They'll also want details about your childhood and your family history. They will then work out an individual plan for you, which could include psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both.
If you are referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England you have a legal right select the right provider. This Right to Choose service allows you to select an area-specific clinic that offers NHS assessments. You can also avail the services of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics have 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 evaluations for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) along with other issues that present like anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is increasing and is set to continue. This is due to a variety of factors, including a growing awareness about the condition, a lack of funding for the NHS and a world where mental health issues are more prevalent. Many sufferers are aware of the damage that untreated ADHD could do to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay to be diagnosed so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which looked at the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some businesses are exploitation of vulnerable patients. The BBC Panorama documentary exposed that some private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious issue that the government must address.
Adults can currently choose which psychiatrist they want to consult to make an appointment. However the choice is typically restricted to specific NHS health regions and to doctors who have contracts with these providers. GPs may be overworked and are unable to provide full-service for adults with ADHD. This has led to an increase in private ADHD assessment services, which are generally cheaper than NHS appointments.
While certain private services do a good job however, some aren't as reliable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis itself and there is a danger that this will result in patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. This will not help them live better lives, and it will also cause a loss of money that could be used on other services, like those for anxiety or depression.
Some NHS services on the other hand, are exemplary, and provide a professional and comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a well-known center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these facilities are having to cope with the demands of increasing numbers of patients.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly however it could be worth it if you're in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis can improve your quality of living and aid you in a variety of areas including your relationships and work. Your insurance provider should be aware of any diagnosis to determine the most appropriate level of protection for you.
If you have an insurance policy for private health it is important to review its terms and conditions to see whether 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 companies will not pay the assessment fee while others will. It is essential to read the terms and condition carefully to fully understand what they cover.
Doctors may not send patients to an ADHD evaluation private adhd assesment for various reasons but this isn't always the case. If your GP is unwilling to help then find a different. If your GP will not sign a shared care contract with you to prescribe medication, it is possible to get an additional opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a variety of online ADHD tests available, but they can be misleading.