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. Anyone who is 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 diagnosed and assessed in a matter of months, which is a far cry from waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
An increasing number of people are seeking to diagnose ADHD. It is estimated that more than one million adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and the waiting times for NHS assessments are rising. In certain areas, it can take as long as seven years for an assessment appointment to be 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 disease. However, many adults in need of a diagnosis are having to seek help privately.
In a few instances, patients were told they'd have wait 18 months to receive a prescription for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of staff in the public health system. The problem is especially acute in Greater Manchester where service providers struggle to meet demand. A lack of a top-down strategy to treat ADHD is the reason as services are overwhelmed by referrals. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private companies like 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 went to three private clinics, all of which diagnosed the patient with the condition. The BBC has claimed that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without giving proper advice regarding possible adverse effects. However the BBC's report has come under fire for failing to focus on the wider issues that surround the provision of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. The growing awareness of the condition and the increasing number of people who seek an assessment are the reason. The demand has even surpassed the capacity of NHS services, with some areas not able to offer an assessment even. Those who are lucky enough to receive an assessment from the NHS face long waits for treatment.
There are many methods to speed up the waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain the reason they think they may be suffering from the disorder. Their doctor should take their concerns seriously and refer them for an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrating for adults. There is a huge demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is unable to meet the demand. This has led to a variety of alternatives, from online assessments to private clinics. These are not always accurate and could lead to a misdiagnosis.
If you're seeking a diagnosis for ADHD, it is important to seek out a psychiatrist who specialises in this type of condition. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the knowledge, skills and experience required to recognize ADHD. If you're unsure who to call, you can ask your local mental health clinic for a list. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist which is typically the quickest way to get an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking help for the condition. There is no cure for ADHD, however there are treatment options which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Certain people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist with a specialization in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. They can evaluate you for symptoms such as difficulty 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 create an individualized plan for you that may include psychotherapy, medication, or the combination of both.
You have a right to choose 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 provides NHS assessments. Alternately, you can make use of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and have shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have together more than 23 years in providing holistic psychiatric assessments and psychotherapeutic interventions for adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) alongside other presenting issues like depression and anxiety.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD tests is increasing, and this trend is set to continue. It is due to the increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming more prevalent. Many patients are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD could cause to their career and relationships and are willing to pay for getting diagnosed in order to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which looked at the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama revealed that some private clinics charge people thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious issue that the government must address.
At present, the NHS allows adults to choose which psychiatrist to visit for a diagnostic appointment. However this option is usually restricted to specific NHS health regions as well as to GPs who have contracts with these providers. This means that doctors are often overwhelmed by this task and may not be able offer a full service to adults with ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have increased in popularity, as they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
While some of these private companies are good at what they do but others aren't as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which can lead patients to become obsessed with their symptoms. This will not help them to live better lives and could waste money that could be used on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
Some NHS services on the other hand are exceptional and offer a professional and complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London, is a nationally recognized center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these services are in a struggle to meet the demands of increasing numbers of patients.
Insurance
It's costly to have a private ADHD assessment however it's worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis can boost your living conditions and aid you in a variety of areas, including your work and relationships. You should inform your insurance provider of any diagnosis so that they can help you determine the best level of protection for you.
Check your policy's terms and conditions to determine if it covers ADHD assessments. click here 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 assessment, but others will. It is essential to read the terms and condition carefully to understand what they cover.
GPs might not be able to send patients to an ADHD assessment for various reasons however this isn't always the case. If your GP is unwilling to help then find a different. If your doctor is unwilling to sign a shared care contract with you for medication, you may want to seek another opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments, however these can be misleading.