ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With service wait times at an all-time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Patients in England with a GP can choose to have their ADHD assessed privately making use of their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed within months, compared to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A increasing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that nearly one million adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD. Waiting times for NHS assessments have increased significantly. In some areas it can take up to seven years to make 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. Many adults who need medical attention must seek it privately.
In some instances patients were told that they would have wait 18 months to be given an order for ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is to blame. The problem is especially acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with demand. The lack of a top-down strategy to treat ADHD is to blame as services are overwhelmed by referrals. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private firms such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in long waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate over the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. An undercover journalist toured 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 medication without providing proper advice about the adverse effects. Despite these claims, the BBC report has been criticized for failing to focus its attention on the larger 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 due to an increase in awareness and a growing number of people seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand for NHS services has surpassed their capacity, and some regions are not able to provide an assessment. If you are fortunate enough to receive an assessment from the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are a few ways to cut their waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. First, they should talk to their GP to explain why they believe they may have ADHD. Their GP should be concerned and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a snooze for adults. There is a high demand for ADHD assessments, but the NHS is struggling to meet the demand. This has led to many alternatives, from online assessments to private clinics. They aren't always reliable and could result in an inaccurate diagnosis.
It is essential to speak with an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD when seeking a diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the knowledge, skills and experience required to recognize ADHD. If you're not sure who to call, you can ask your local mental health service for a list. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist which is usually the fastest method of getting an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more and more commonplace, and many people seek help. There is no cure for ADHD however there are treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Certain people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood and your family history. They will then work out an individual plan for you, which could include psychotherapy, medication or the combination of both.
You have a legal choice in the event that your GP refers you to an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use the Right to Choose service to select a clinic that offers NHS assessments in your area. You can also choose private clinics to conduct NHS assessments. These clinics have shorter waiting times and also offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have a combined experience of more than 23 years providing holistic psychiatric assessments and psychotherapeutic interventions to adults. private adhd assessment adult specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as other presenting issues like depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to increase. It is partly down to the increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and a world in which mental health issues are becoming increasingly widespread. In addition, many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay for a diagnosis so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics caused concern about the way in which companies exploit vulnerable patients. The documentary revealed that certain private clinics are charging patients thousands of pounds for poor assessment services, and poor aftercare. This is a serious concern and something that must be addressed by the government.
Presently, adults can select the psychiatrist they would like to see to make an appointment. This choice is usually limited to certain NHS health regions or to GPs with agreements with these providers. GPs may be overworked and not able to provide a 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.
While some of these private services perform well, others are not as dependable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis itself and there is a danger that this can lead to patients who are too concerned about their symptoms. This will not improve their lives and waste money that could have been spent on other services such as anxiety or depression.
In contrast, some NHS services are exceptional and provide a professional complete service to adults with ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is nationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and care. However, even these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of an growing patient population, and they are unlikely to change unless the government increases investment in mental health services.
Insurance
It's costly to have a private ADHD assessment but it's well worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis can enhance your quality of living and assist you in a variety of areas, including your relationships and work. Your insurance provider should be aware of any diagnosis to determine the most appropriate level of coverage for you.
Check your policy's terms and 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. Some companies won't pay the assessment fee while others will. It is important to go over the terms and conditions attentively to understand what they cover.
GPs may refuse to send patients to an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons but this isn't always justified. If your GP isn't willing to help you, try finding a different one. If your GP won't sign a shared-care contract with you, you can seek a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are many online ADHD tests that are available, but they can be inaccurate.