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 enables them to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A growing 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 waiting times for NHS assessments are rising. 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 condition. Many adults who need an assessment must seek out help privately.
In some cases patients were told that 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. This is especially true in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with demand. Referrals result from the absence of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has resulted in the outsourcing adult ADHD assessment to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is a long wait for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about the method by which private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation included an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics, and all of them diagnosed the patient with the condition. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribe powerful medication without offering proper advice on the adverse effects. In spite of these claims the BBC's report has been criticized for not focusing on the wider issues that surround the treatment of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. This is due to increased awareness and a growing number of people seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand for NHS services has surpassed their capacity, and certain areas aren't able to provide an assessment. If you are fortunate enough to receive an assessment from the NHS face long waits for treatment.
There are many ways to cut down the time it takes to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain the reason they believe they may be suffering from the condition. Your GP should be concerned and send them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it can be difficult. The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD tests. This has led to numerous ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. These are not always accurate and could lead to a mistaken diagnosis.
If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is essential to seek out an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this type of condition. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to diagnose ADHD. If you're unsure who to contact, ask your local mental health clinic for a list. You can ask your GP for a referral to a specialist. This is the most efficient method to get an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and a lot of people are seeking assistance for the disorder. Although it isn't possible to treat the condition, there are a number of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication and psychotherapy as well as lifestyle adjustments. Some people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist with a specialization in ADHD can assist you in finding 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 will also ask for information about your childhood and your family history. They will then develop a plan tailored to you. This could include medication or psychotherapy.
You can make a legal decision 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. You can also avail the services of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics have much shorter waiting times and offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of combined experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric evaluations to adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues such as anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is increasing and is expected to continue. This is due to a variety of factors, such as increased awareness about the condition, a underfunded NHS, and a world where mental health issues are more prevalent. In addition, many patients can see the damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their careers and relationships, and are prepared to pay for a diagnosis so that 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 from BBC Panorama revealed that some private clinics charge people thousands of pounds for mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue that the government must tackle.
Presently, adults can select the psychiatrist they would like to visit to make an appointment. However this option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions and to doctors who have agreements with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and are unable to provide full-service for adults with ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity since they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
While some of these private services are good at what they do however, some aren't as dependable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis itself, and there is a chance that this will result in patients who are too concerned about their symptoms. This won't help them to live better lives and could waste money that could be spent on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
Certain NHS services, on the other hand are excellent and provide a professional and comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London, is a nationally recognized center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these facilities are in a struggle to meet the demands of an ever-growing patient population.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly however it could be worth it if you're read more in a position to afford it. The diagnosis is essential for your overall health and can assist you in improving the quality of your life in many areas including relationships and work. It is important to inform your insurance company of any medical condition so that they can advise you on the appropriate level of coverage for you.
Review your policy's terms and conditions to determine if the policy covers ADHD assessments. 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 review the terms and conditions carefully to understand what they cover.
Doctors may refuse to refer a patient for an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons. However it isn't always the case. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, then try finding a different one. If your GP won't agree to a shared-care arrangement with you, you may get a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are many online ADHD tests to choose from however they could be inaccurate.