ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for service at an all time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Those registered with a GP in England have the option of using their "Right to Choice" and choose to be referred to a private provider.
This allows patients to be assessed and diagnosed 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 over one million adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and wait times for NHS assessments are increasing. In some areas, it can take up to seven years to get an appointment for an assessment. High-profile individuals, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken about their experiences with the disease. Many adults who require medical attention must seek it privately.
In some instances, patients were told they would need wait 18 months to be given a prescription for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of staff in the public health system. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to keep up with the demands. Referrals are a result of the lack of a top-down strategy for ADHD. This has resulted in the outsourcing adult ADHD assessment to private companies like Psychiatry UK. The result is a long wait for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. A journalist undercover visited three private clinics and was deemed with ADHD by all. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are rushing through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without giving proper advice regarding possible adverse effects. Despite these allegations, the BBC report has been criticized for failing to pay attention to the larger issues surrounding the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has an unfinished business of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. This is a result of 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 areas are unable to offer an assessment. If you are lucky enough to get an assessment through the NHS will have long waits before they are able to receive treatment.
There are a variety of ways to reduce the time required to wait for ADHD diagnoses. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain why they think they may have the condition. Their GP should be concerned and send them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it can be frustrating. The NHS is unable to meet the demand for ADHD assessments. This has led to numerous short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always reliable and can result in an incorrect diagnosis.
It is important to consult an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD when seeking an diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the knowledge of skills, experience and expertise to make a diagnosis. If you're not sure who to call, you can ask your local mental health service for the list. You can request your GP for the referral to a specialist. This is the most efficient method of receiving an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and a lot of people are seeking help for the disorder. There is no cure for ADHD, however there are treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. Some people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
A psychiatrist with a specialization in ADHD can help you find the best treatment for your symptoms. They can evaluate your symptoms, such as difficulties in concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They'll also want details about your childhood as well as your family history. Then, they'll create a plan that is specific to you. This may include psychotherapy or medication.
You can make a legal decision 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. You can also choose private clinics to conduct NHS assessments. These clinics offer video calls and shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney, have combined experience of more than 23 years in providing holistic psychiatric assessments as well as psychotherapeutic treatments for adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues like anxiety and depression.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is on the rise and is expected to increase. This is due to a combination of factors, including increased awareness of the condition, a underfunded NHS and a world where mental health issues are more frequent. Many sufferers are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD could cause to their career and relationships and are willing to pay to be diagnosed to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which examined the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some businesses are exploitation of vulnerable patients. The documentary from BBC Panorama exposed that some private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds to receive poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a major issue and something that needs to be addressed by the government.
The NHS allows adults to choose which psychiatrist to see for a diagnostic appointment. However the choice is typically restricted to certain NHS health regions as well as to GPs who have agreements with these providers. The GPs are often overwhelmed and unable to provide full-service for adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have risen in popularity since they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are excellent, but others are not as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis itself, and there is a danger that this can lead to patients who are overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not help them to live better lives and could cost money that could be spent on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
However, certain NHS services are exemplary and provide a high-quality complete service to adults with ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and care. However, even these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of an expanding patient population, and they're not likely to improve unless the government improves investment in mental health care.
Insurance
It can be costly to undergo a private ADHD assessment but it's well worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis is crucial to your well-being and can assist you in improving many areas of your life including relationships and work. Your insurance provider must be informed of any diagnosis in order to determine the most appropriate level of coverage you need.
Check your policy's terms and conditions to determine if the policy 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 exam, but others will. You should go over the terms and conditions attentively to find out what they cover.
Doctors may not recommend patients for an ADHD assessment due to various reasons however this isn't always justified. If adhd assessment near me your GP is unable to assist then find a different. If your doctor is unwilling to sign a shared care contract with you regarding medication, you can try to seek a second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a variety of online ADHD tests that are available however they could be misleading.