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 can avail their "Right to Choose" and opt to be sent to a private company.
This allows them to get assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A growing number of people seek the diagnosis of ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that nearly one million adults are undiagnosed with ADHD. Waiting times for NHS assessments have increased dramatically. In some areas, it can take up seven years to secure an appointment for an assessment. High-profile individuals, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas, have also spoken out about their experiences with the condition. However many adults in need of an assessment are forced to seek help privately.
In a few instances patients were told they'd have to wait 18 months to be given a prescription for ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is at fault. The problem is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers are struggling to meet the demand. A lack of a top-down strategy for ADHD is to blame, with services swamped by referrals. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private firms like Psychiatry UK, resulting in long waiting times 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, and all of them diagnosed him with the condition. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are rushing through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without giving proper advice about the possible side effects. Despite these allegations, the BBC report has been criticized as failing to focus its attention on the larger issues relating to 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 the condition and the growing number of people seeking for a diagnosis are to blame. The demand has even surpassed the capacity of NHS services, with some areas not able to offer an assessment at all. If you are fortunate enough to get an assessment on the NHS face long waits for treatment.
There are a variety of ways that people can reduce the time they wait to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain the reason they think that they might be suffering from the condition. Their GP should be concerned and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of being diagnosed with ADHD can be a snooze for adults. There is a huge demand for ADHD assessments, but the NHS is struggling to meet the demand. This has led to numerous ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. These are not always accurate and can lead to a misdiagnosis.
If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is essential to consult a psychiatrist that is specialized in this disorder. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the knowledge of skills, experience and expertise to diagnose. If you're not sure who to call you can check with your local mental health service for an approved list of providers. You may 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 people are seeking assistance for the condition. There is no cure for ADHD, but there are treatments which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication as well as psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. In addition, some are taking supplements to help reduce the symptoms.
A psychiatrist with a specialization in ADHD can help you find the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate you for symptoms such as difficulty in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood, as well as your family history. Then, they'll make a plan tailored to you. This may include psychotherapy or medication.
You have a right to choose in the event that your GP suggests an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose an area-specific clinic that offers NHS assessments. Alternatively, you can also avail the services of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics can make video calls and shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have collective experience of more than 23 years providing holistic psychiatric assessments and psychotherapeutic interventions for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), alongside other presenting issues like depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to grow. This is due to a combination of factors, such as increased awareness of the condition, a deficient how much for a private adhd assessment NHS and a world where mental health issues are more frequent. Many sufferers are aware of the damage that untreated ADHD could do to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay to get diagnosed to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics brought up concerns about businesses that exploit vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama revealed that private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds to receive poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious issue that the government must address.
At present, the NHS allows adults to select which psychiatrist to see for a diagnostic appointment. However the choice is typically limited to specific NHS health regions and to doctors who have contracts with these providers. The GPs are often overwhelmed and unable to provide full-service for people suffering from ADHD. This has led to a growth in private ADHD assessment services, which are typically less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are good However, some aren't as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which could cause patients to become overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not allow them live better lives and will waste money that could be spent on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
Certain NHS services however are excellent and provide a professional and complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a well-known center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these facilities are in a struggle to meet the demands of increasing numbers of patients.
Insurance
It can be costly to have a private ADHD assessment however it's worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis can improve your living quality and aid you in a variety of areas such as your work and relationships. Your insurance provider should be aware of any diagnosis to determine the most appropriate level of protection for you.
Review your policy's terms and 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 will not pay for the assessment, but others will. It is crucial to read the terms and condition carefully to know what they cover.
GPs can refuse to refer a patient to an ADHD evaluation for a number of reasons. However, this is not always the situation. If your GP is unable to assist, find another. If your GP won't sign a shared care contract with you for medication, you can try to get an additional opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are several online ADHD tests available however, they can be misleading.