ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular as service wait times are at an all-time high. Anyone who is registered with a GP in England can use their "Right to Choose" and choose to be directed to a private service.
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 a diagnosis for ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that more than one million adults are not diagnosed with ADHD. The wait times for NHS assessments have risen dramatically. In some areas it can take up to seven years to make an appointment for an assessment. A few prominent people have been vocal about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. Many adults who require medical attention must seek it privately.
In some instances patients were told that they would have wait for 18 months before they could receive an order for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of personnel in the public health system. This is especially true in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to keep up with demand. Referrals are a result of the absence of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private providers, such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in lengthy waiting periods for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. A journalist undercover visited three private clinics and was diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are rushing through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without giving proper advice about the possible side effects. Despite 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 currently has a backlog of over 10,000 adult ADHD patients. This is due to increasing awareness and a rising number of people seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services, with some areas not able to offer an assessment in any way. If you are fortunate enough to be able to access an assessment through the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are many ways to cut down the time it takes to receive an ADHD diagnosis. First, they should talk to their GP to discuss the reasons they believe they be suffering from ADHD. The doctor should be concerned and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of being diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrating for adults. There is a huge demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is unable to meet the demand. This has led to a variety of alternatives, from online assessments to private clinics. These aren't always accurate and can result in a misdiagnosis.
If you're seeking a diagnosis for ADHD it is essential to consult a psychiatrist who specialises in this condition. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the expertise of skills, experience and expertise to determine a diagnosis. If you're unsure whom to ask, consult your local mental health clinic for the list. You can ask your GP for an appointment with an expert. This is the quickest way to receive an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more common, and a lot of people seek help. There is no cure for ADHD but there are treatments which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle adjustments. In addition, some people are taking supplements to help reduce the symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can evaluate you for signs such as difficulty concentrating, problems with working memory, poor sleeping habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask for information about your childhood and your family history. They will then create an individualized plan for you, which could include medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.
You have a legal choice if your GP refers you to an adult ADHD assessment in England. You here can utilize this Right to Choose service to choose a clinic that provides NHS assessments in your region. You can also choose a private clinic for NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and offer shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric evaluations for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) along with other issues such as anxiety and depression.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to continue. It is partly down to increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and a world in which mental health issues are becoming more prevalent. Many patients are aware of the damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay to get diagnosed in order to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which examined the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised the issue that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama exposed that some private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious problem that the government must address.
At present, the NHS allows adults to select which psychiatrist to see for a diagnostic appointment. This option is typically restricted to a few NHS health regions or doctors who have agreements with these providers. As a result, GPs are often overwhelmed with this work and may not be able provide a full range of services to adults with ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity because they are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
While some of these private companies perform well, others are not as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which could lead patients to become obsessed with their symptoms. This won't improve their lives, and could cause a loss of money that could be spent on other services like anxiety or depression.
However, certain NHS services are exemplary and provide a professional, comprehensive service to adults suffering from ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is nationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and care. Even these facilities are having to cope with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly but it can be worth it if you're in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis is crucial for your quality of life and can assist you in improving various aspects of your life including relationships and work. Your insurance provider must be informed of any diagnosis to determine the best amount of coverage you need.
If you have a private health insurance policy be sure to check its terms and conditions to determine if it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private health insurance providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health each have their own policies. Certain companies do not have to pay the assessment fee while others will. You should go over the terms and conditions carefully to learn what they cover.
GPs may refuse to send patients to an ADHD evaluation for various reasons, but this is not always justified. If your GP will not help then find a different. If your GP isn't willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you, you may get a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are also a variety of online ADHD assessments that are available, but they can be misleading.