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 in England with a GP are able to opt to be referred privately making use of their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, rather than waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A growing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that over one million adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and the waiting times for NHS assessments are soaring. In certain regions, it could take up to seven years for an assessment appointment to become available. Famous people, like Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken about their experiences with the disease. However many people with an assessment are forced to seek out help privately.
In a few instances, patients were told they would need to wait 18 months to get the 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 keep up with the demand. The absence of a top-down approach to ADHD is the reason the issue, as services are swamped by referrals. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private firms, such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in long waiting periods for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate on the way private clinics diagnosis ADHD. An undercover journalist visited three private clinics and was found to be diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribe powerful medication without providing proper advice about adverse effects. Despite these claims, the BBC report has been criticized as failing to pay attention to the larger issues surrounding the provision ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has an unfinished business of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The growing awareness of the condition and the increasing number of people who seek an assessment are the reason. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services, with some areas not able to offer an assessment at all. The lucky ones to be able to access an assessment through the NHS have long wait times for treatment.
There are a variety of methods to speed up the waiting time for 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. The doctor should be concerned and recommend an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of being diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrating for adults. There is a high demand for ADHD assessments, yet the NHS is struggling to meet this demand. This has led to many shortcuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always accurate and can lead to incorrect diagnosis.
It is important to consult an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD in the event of an diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the knowledge of skills, experience and expertise to diagnose. If you're unsure who to call, you can ask your local mental health clinic for the list. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is typically the quickest way to get an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many people are seeking assistance for the condition. Although it isn't possible to completely cure the condition however, there are a variety of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicines psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Some people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD can help you find the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can assess you for symptoms such as difficulty in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleeping habits and emotional dysregulation. They'll also want information about your childhood and your family history. Then, they will develop a plan tailored to you. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
If you're recommended an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England you have the legal right to choose which provider to see. You can utilize this Right to Choose service to select a clinic that offers NHS assessments in your area. Alternatively, you can also use the services of private clinics that offer NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times, and they also provide video calls.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric assessments to adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in addition to other problems like depression and anxiety.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing, and this trend is set to continue. This is due to a mix of factors, including a growing awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and a world where mental health issues are becoming more prevalent. Additionally, many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can do to their relationships and careers, and are prepared to pay for a diagnosis so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which examined the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The BBC Panorama documentary revealed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds to receive poor assessments and inadequate aftercare. This is a major issue and something that needs to be addressed by the government.
Adults can currently choose which doctor they wish more info to visit for an appointment. However this option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions and doctors who have agreements with these providers. As a result, GPs are often overburdened with this task and may not be able offer a full service to adults with ADHD. This has led to an increase in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually cheaper 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, and there is a risk that this will result in patients who are overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not help them to live better lives and will cost money that could be spent on other services, like those for anxiety or depression.
Some NHS services, on the other hand are exceptional 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. But even these services are struggling to cope with the demands of an expanding patient population, and they are unlikely to change unless the government makes better investments in mental health care.
Insurance
It's costly to have a private ADHD assessment however it's worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis is crucial to your overall health and can help you improve various aspects of your life including relationships and work. You should inform your insurance company of any diagnosis so that they can help you determine the right level of cover for you.
If you are a member of an insurance policy for private health, you should check the terms and conditions of the policy to see whether it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private health insurance providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some will not pay for the exam, but others will. It is crucial to read the terms and condition carefully to know what they cover.
GPs can refuse to refer a patient to an ADHD evaluation for a number of reasons. However, this is not always the case. If your GP is unwilling to help then find a different. If your GP won't sign a shared-care contract with you, you can have a second opinion in an ADHD clinic. There are also a variety of online ADHD assessments available, but these can be incorrect.