ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for services at an all time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. Those registered in England with a GP can opt to have their ADHD assessed privately making use of their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to be diagnosed and assessed within a matter of months, as opposed to waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A increasing number of people are seeking the diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that more than one million adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and wait times for NHS assessments are soaring. In some areas it can take up to seven years to get an appointment for an assessment. A few prominent people have expressed their opinions about the condition, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However many adults who require an assessment are forced to seek out help privately.
In some cases, patients were told they would need to wait 18 months to be given a prescription for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of personnel in the public health system. The problem is particularly acute in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with the demand. Referrals are a result of the absence of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private firms such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in lengthy waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate on 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 has claimed that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without providing proper guidance about the possible side effects. Despite these claims however, the BBC report has been criticized for failing to pay attention to the bigger issues surrounding the provision of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. This is a result of an increase in awareness and a growing number of patients seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and some areas aren't able to provide an assessment. The lucky ones to receive an assessment from the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are several ways that people can cut their waiting time to receive an ADHD diagnosis. First, they should talk to their GP to explain why they think they might be suffering from ADHD. The doctor should be concerned and recommend an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of being diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrating for adults. The NHS is unable to meet the demand for ADHD assessments. This has led to numerous shortcuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These aren't always accurate and can result in an incorrect diagnosis.
It is important to consult an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD in the event of an assessment. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the necessary knowledge or expertise required to diagnose. If you're unsure of who to contact you can check with your local mental health services for a list of approved providers. You can ask your GP for an appointment with an expert. This is the most efficient method of receiving an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more and check here more commonplace, and many people seek help. There is no cure for ADHD however there are treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle modifications. Some people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms, which could include difficulties in concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleeping habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood, as well as your family history. They will then create a personalised plan for you, which could include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.
You have a right to choose if your GP refers you to an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose an area-specific clinic that provides NHS assessments. You can also avail the services of private clinics that offer NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and offer shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have collective experience of more than 23 years of providing holistic psychiatric assessments as well as psychotherapeutic interventions for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as other issues such as depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is on the rise and is expected to grow. This is due to a mix of factors, including increased awareness about the condition, a lack of funding for the NHS and a society where mental health issues are more common. Many sufferers are aware of the damage that untreated ADHD could do to their career and relationships 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 revealed that certain private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for poor assessment services and poor aftercare. This is a serious problem that the government must tackle.
At present, the NHS lets adults choose the psychiatrist they want to see to schedule a diagnostic appointment. This choice is usually limited to certain NHS health regions or GPs with agreements with these providers. The GPs are often overwhelmed and are unable to provide full-service for people suffering from ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually 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 danger that this will result in patients who are too concerned about their symptoms. This will not help their lives and waste money that could have been spent on other services such as depression or anxiety.
Certain NHS services however are excellent and provide a professional and complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is nationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these facilities are having to cope with 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 is crucial for your well-being and can help you improve many areas of your life such as work and relationships. It is important to inform your insurance provider of any medical condition so that they can assist you in determining the right level of cover for you.
If you have an insurance policy for private health be sure to check its terms and conditions to determine if 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 examination, while others will. It is important to review the terms and conditions carefully to know what they cover.
GPs may refuse to send patients to an ADHD assessment due to a variety of reasons however this isn't always justified. If your GP is unwilling to help, find another. If your GP won't sign a shared-care contract with you, you may seek a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are several online ADHD tests to choose from however they could be misleading.