ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments have become increasingly popular since wait times are at an all-time high. Those registered in England with a GP can choose to have their ADHD assessed privately applying for a 'Right of choice'.
This allows them to get assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, as opposed to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A increasing number of people seek a diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that more than a million adults have undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and wait times for NHS assessments are rising. In some areas, it can take as long as seven years for an assessment appointment to be available. Some high-profile individuals have spoken out about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. Many adults who need medical attention must seek it privately.
In a few instances, patients were told they'd have to wait 18 months to be given an order for ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is at fault. This is especially true in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with demand. The absence of a top-down strategy to treat ADHD is the cause as services are overwhelmed by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing adult ADHD evaluation to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over how private clinics diagnose ADHD. A journalist undercover visited three private clinics and was deemed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics speed through assessments and prescribe powerful drugs without providing proper advice about side effects. However, the BBC's report has come under fire for not focusing on the larger issues relating to the treatment of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. This is due to increased awareness and a growing number of patients seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services, with some areas unable to provide an assessment even. For those fortunate enough to get an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for a long time before they can get treatment.
There are a few ways to reduce the time it takes to wait to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain why they think that they might be suffering from the condition. Their GP should be concerned and recommend an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the process can be frustrating. There is a huge demand for ADHD assessments, yet the NHS is unable to meet it. This has led to many shortcuts, ranging from private clinics to online assessments. They aren't always accurate and can lead to incorrect diagnosis.
It is important to consult a psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD for an diagnosis. A general practitioner or a psychologist may not possess the skills, knowledge and experience required to recognize ADHD. If you are unsure who to contact, check with your local mental health services for an approved list of providers. You can ask your GP for the referral to an expert. This is the most efficient way to receive an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more commonplace, and many people seek assistance. There is no cure for the disorder however there are treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Certain people also take supplements to help reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can help you find the best treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms, which could include difficulties in concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleeping habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood and your family history. They will then create a personalised 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. This Right to Choose service allows you to select the clinic in your area that offers NHS assessments. You can also go to a private clinic to do NHS assessments. These clinics can make 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 evaluations for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as other presenting issues like anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing and is expected to continue. This is partly due to the increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming increasingly common. Many patients are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their career and relationships and are willing to pay to get diagnosed in order to 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 from BBC Panorama revealed that private clinics charge people thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious concern and something that must be addressed by the government.
The NHS allows adults to select which psychiatrist to visit for a diagnostic appointment. This choice is usually limited to a few NHS health regions or to doctors who have agreements with these providers. The GPs are often overwhelmed and not able to provide a full service for people suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity since they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
While some of these private companies do a good job however, some aren't as reliable or 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 improve their lives and cause a loss of money that could be spent on other treatments such as depression or anxiety.
However, certain NHS services are exemplary and provide a high-quality and comprehensive service for people suffering from ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is internationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these services are in a struggle to meet the demands of a rapidly growing patient population.
Insurance
It's costly to get a private ADHD assessment however it's worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis can boost your living conditions and help you in many areas such as your relationships at work and in other areas. You should inform your insurance provider of any diagnosis so that they can advise you on the right level of cover for you.
If you have an insurance policy for private health it is important to review 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 will not pay for the exam, but others will. You should go over the terms and conditions attentively to find out what they cover.
GPs can refuse to refer a patient to an ADHD evaluation due to a variety of reasons. However private adhd assessment adults isn't always the situation. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, try finding a different one. If your GP won't sign a shared-care agreement with you regarding medication, you may want to seek an additional opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are many online ADHD tests that are available however, they can be incorrect.