ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular since 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 opt to be referred to a private provider.
This allows them to be diagnosed and assessed within a matter of months, as opposed to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A increasing number of people seek the 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 rising. In certain areas, it could take up to seven years to get an appointment for an assessment. Some high-profile individuals have been vocal about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However, many adults in need of a diagnosis are having to seek help privately.
In some instances patients have been told that they will have to wait for up to 18 months before receiving a prescription of ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is the reason. The problem is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with demand. The absence of a top-down strategy for ADHD is the cause 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 waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. An undercover journalist visited three private clinics and was found to be diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics speed through assessments and prescribe powerful drugs without providing adequate advice about the adverse effects. Despite these allegations, the BBC report has been criticized for failing to pay attention to the larger issues surrounding the provision ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The growing awareness of ADHD and the increasing number of people who seek an assessment are the reason. The demand for NHS services has exceeded the capacity of the service, and some areas are unable to offer an assessment. The lucky ones to be able to access an assessment through the NHS face long waits for treatment.
There are several ways that people can 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 believe they may be suffering from the disorder. Your GP should be concerned and recommend an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be difficult. There is a lot of demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is unable to meet the demand. This has led to many short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These aren't always reliable and could lead to a misdiagnosis.
When seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is crucial to find an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this condition. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the knowledge or expertise required to make a diagnosis. If you're not sure who to call, you can ask your local mental health center for a list. You may also request your GP to refer you to a specialist which is usually the fastest way to get an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking help for the condition. While it isn't possible to cure the disorder however, there are a variety of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication and psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. Certain people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess 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 work out a personalised plan for you which could include medication, psychotherapy or the combination of both.
If you're recommended an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England You have a legal right choose the clinic you want to visit. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose a clinic in your area that offers NHS assessments. Alternatively, you can also avail the services of private clinics that offer NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and have shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of combined experience in providing holistic psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting problems like depression and anxiety.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing, and this trend is expected to continue. This is due to a mix of factors, including a growing awareness about the condition, a underfunded NHS and a society where mental health issues are more prevalent. Many patients are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay for getting diagnosed so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which focused on the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama revealed that private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds to receive poor assessments and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious issue that the government must address.
Currently, the NHS allows adults to select which psychiatrist to see for a diagnosis appointment. However, this option is often limited to specific NHS health regions and GPs with contracts with these providers. In the end, GPs are often overburdened with this work and may not be able to provide a complete service to people suffering from ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are typically cheaper than NHS appointments.
While certain private services do a good job, others are not as reliable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which could lead patients to be overly concerned with their symptoms. This won't improve their lives and cost money that could be used for other services such as anxiety or depression.
However, some NHS services are excellent and offer a professional, comprehensive service to adults with ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and care. Even these services are having to cope with the demands of increasing numbers of patients.
Insurance
It can be costly to undergo an in-depth ADHD assessment however it's worth it if it's read more something you can afford. The diagnosis is crucial for your overall health and can assist you in improving the quality of your life in many areas, including work and relationships. Your insurance provider must be informed of any diagnosis to determine the best level of coverage for you.
Examine your policy's terms & conditions to determine if it covers ADHD tests. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health all have different policies. Certain companies do not have to pay the assessment fee while others will. It is important to review the terms and conditions carefully to find out what they cover.
GPs can refuse to refer a patient to an ADHD evaluation for a number of reasons. However it isn't always the situation. If your GP will not help, find another. If your doctor won't sign a shared-care contract with you, you may have a second opinion in an ADHD clinic. There are also several online ADHD assessments, however these can be incorrect.