ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular as service wait times are at an all-time high. Patients who have a GP in England have the option of using their 'Right to Choose' and choose to be sent to a private company.
This allows them to be diagnosed and assessed within a matter of months, as opposed to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A growing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that nearly one million adults are undiagnosed with ADHD. The wait times for NHS assessments have increased dramatically. In some areas, it can take up seven years to secure an appointment for an assessment. A few prominent people have spoken out about the condition, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However many people who require an assessment are forced to seek assistance privately.
In some cases patients were told they'd have wait for 18 months before they could be given an order for ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is at fault. The problem is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with demand. The absence of a top-down strategy to treat ADHD is the cause the issue, as services are swamped by referrals. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD evaluation to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is long waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about how private clinics diagnosis ADHD. The investigation included an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics, and all of them diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC has claimed that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without providing proper guidance about possible side effects. Despite these claims however, the BBC report has been criticized for failing to pay attention to the bigger issues surrounding 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 to diagnose the condition. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services, with some areas not able to offer an assessment even. Those who are fortunate enough to be able to get an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for a long time before they can receive treatment.
There are several ways to cut their waiting time to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to talk to their GP and explain why they think they may be suffering from the condition. Your GP should be concerned and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the process can be difficult. There is a huge demand for ADHD assessments, but the NHS is struggling to meet this demand. This has led to numerous shortcuts, from online assessments to private clinics. These aren't always reliable and can lead to mistaken diagnosis.
When seeking a diagnosis of ADHD, it is important to find a psychiatrist that is specialized in this disorder. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the skills, knowledge and expertise required to diagnose ADHD. If you're not sure who to contact, ask your local mental health clinic for an alphabetical list. You can ask your GP for an appointment with a specialist. This is the fastest method to get an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more common, and many people seek help. There is no cure for the disorder however there are treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. In addition, some people are taking supplements to treat the symptoms.
A psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate you for symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, problems with working memory, poor sleeping habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood and your family history. Then, they will create a plan that is specific to you. This could include psychotherapy or medication.
You have a legal choice in the event that your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose a clinic in your area that provides NHS assessments. Alternately, you can avail the services of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times and also offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments for adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues such as anxiety and depression.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is on the rise and is expected to increase. It is due to the increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming more common. Additionally, many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can do to their relationships and careers, and are prepared to be willing to pay for a diagnosis in order that they can 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 BBC Panorama documentary exposed that some private clinics charge people thousands of pounds for mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious problem that the government must tackle.
Currently, the NHS allows adults to choose which psychiatrist to see for a diagnostic appointment. This option is usually restricted to specific NHS health regions or doctors who have agreements with these providers. This means that GPs are often overburdened with this task and may not be able offer a full service to adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have risen in popularity because they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are great However, some aren't as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis itself, and there is a chance that this could lead to patients who are overly concerned about their symptoms. This won't improve their lives and will cost money that could have been used for other services like anxiety or depression.
Certain NHS services, on the other hand are excellent and offer a professional, comprehensive service for adults with 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 undergo an individual ADHD assessment but it's well worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis can improve your living quality and assist you in a variety of areas including your work and relationships. Your insurance provider should be aware of any diagnosis to determine the most appropriate level of protection for you.
Examine your policy's terms & conditions to determine if it covers ADHD tests. Axa PPP (private healthcare provider), Aviva (private health insurance provider), Bupa (private health insurance provider) and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some companies won't pay the assessment fee while others will. It is important to study the terms and conditions carefully to fully understand what they cover.
GPs may refuse to recommend patients for an ADHD assessment due to a variety of reasons psychiatrist adhd assessment but this isn't always the case. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, look for a different one. If your doctor is unwilling to sign a shared care contract with you regarding medication, you can try to get another opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are many online ADHD tests available, but they can be incorrect.