ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments have become increasingly popular since wait times are at an all-time high. Those registered with a GP in England have the option of using their 'Right to Choose' and choose to be referred to a private provider.
This allows them to get assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, as opposed to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A growing 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 dramatically. In certain areas, it could take up to seven years to make 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 disease. However, many adults in need of an assessment are forced to seek out help privately.
In a few instances patients were told that they would have to wait 18 months to receive an order for ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is at fault. The problem is particularly acute in Greater Manchester where service providers are struggling to meet the demand. A lack of a top-down approach to ADHD is the reason as services are overwhelmed by referrals. 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 has sparked controversy over how private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation included an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics, and all of them diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through tests and prescribe powerful medication without providing proper advice about adverse effects. Despite these claims however, the BBC report has been criticized as failing to pay attention to the larger issues surrounding the provision of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. The increased awareness of ADHD and the increasing number of people who seek a diagnosis are to blame. The demand for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and some areas aren't able to provide an assessment. If you are fortunate enough to be able to access an assessment through the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are several ways that people can reduce the time they wait to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to speak to their GP and explain why they think they may have the condition. The doctor should take their concerns seriously and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it can be frustrating. The NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for ADHD tests. This has led to a variety of ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. They aren't always accurate and can lead to a misdiagnosis.
If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD, it is important to consult an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this disorder. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to diagnose ADHD. If you're not sure which one to go to, check with the local mental health services for the list of approved providers. You can also request your GP to refer you to a specialist which is typically the quickest way to get an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking assistance for the condition. While it is not possible to treat the disorder however, there are a variety of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle adjustments. Additionally, some people are also taking supplements to reduce the symptoms.
A psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD can help find the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate you for signs such as difficulty concentrating, problems with working memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood, as well as your family history. Then, they will make a plan tailored to you. This could include medication or psychotherapy.
You have a legal choice if your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to select the clinic in your area that offers NHS assessments. You can also avail the services of private clinics that offer NHS assessments. These clinics offer video calls and have shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric evaluations to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) along with other issues that present like anxiety and depression.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to increase. It is due to the increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming more widespread. Many patients are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD could do to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay for getting diagnosed in order 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 some private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds for mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue that the government needs to address.
At present, the NHS allows adults to select which psychiatrist to visit to schedule a diagnostic appointment. This choice is usually limited to specific NHS health regions or to GPs with agreements with these providers. GPs may be overworked and unable to provide full-service for people suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have increased in popularity since they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are excellent however, others aren't as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis itself, and there is a risk that this can lead to patients who are too concerned about their symptoms. This won't help them live better lives and will waste money that could be used on other services, such as those for anxiety or depression.
However, certain NHS services are excellent and provide a professional complete service to adults suffering from ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is internationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and care. Even these services are in a struggle to meet the demands of increasing numbers of patients.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly, but it may be worth it if in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis is essential for your quality of life and can help you improve many areas of your life including relationships and work. Your insurance provider must be informed of any diagnosis to determine the best level of protection for you.
If you have a private health insurance policy it is important to review the terms and conditions of the policy to determine whether it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some will not cover the assessment, but others will. It is important to read the terms and conditions carefully to find out what they cover.
Doctors may not send patients to an ADHD assessment due to different reasons but this isn't always the case. If your GP is unwilling to help then find a different. If your GP won't sign a shared-care agreement with you regarding medication, you may want to get a second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments that are get more info available, but they can be misleading.