ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With service wait times at an all-time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Anyone who is registered in England with a GP are able to opt to have their ADHD assessed privately using their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to get assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, rather than waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A growing number of people are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that more than one million adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD. The wait times for NHS assessments have increased significantly. In some regions, it could take as long as seven years for an assessment appointment to become available. Some famous people have spoken out about the condition, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However many people with an assessment are forced to seek out help privately.
In some cases patients have been informed that they have to wait for up to 18 months before receiving the prescription of ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is at fault. This is especially true in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to keep up with demand. Referrals are the result of the absence of a top-down strategy for ADHD. This has resulted in the outsourcing of adult ADHD evaluation to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about how private clinics diagnosis ADHD. The investigation included an undercover journalist who visited 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 drugs without providing proper advice about adverse effects. Despite these claims however, the BBC report has been criticized as failing to focus its attention on the larger issues surrounding the provision ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. This is due to an increase in awareness and a growing number of people seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and some regions are not able to provide an assessment. If you are lucky enough to get an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for long periods before they can receive treatment.
There are many methods to speed up the time required to wait for ADHD diagnosis. First, they must talk to their GP to explain the reason they think they might be suffering from ADHD. The doctor should be aware of their concerns and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be a bit difficult. The NHS is unable to meet the demand for ADHD tests. This has lead to many shortcuts, ranging from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always accurate and can lead to a misdiagnosis.
It is crucial to consult a psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD for an diagnosis. A general practitioner or a psychologist may not possess the knowledge, skills and expertise required to diagnose ADHD. If you're unsure whom to ask, consult your local mental health clinic for a list. You may also request your GP to refer you to a specialist which is typically the quickest method to receive an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking help for the condition. While it is not possible to get more info completely cure the disorder but there are a number of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications as well as psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments. Certain people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD can help you find the best treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms, which could include difficulties concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They'll also want details about your childhood and your family history. They will then devise an individualized plan for you which could include psychotherapy, medication or an amalgamation of both.
You can make a legal decision in the event that your GP refers you to an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to select an area-specific clinic that provides NHS assessments. You can also go to a private clinic to do NHS assessments. These clinics have much shorter waiting times and also offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney, have combined experience of more than 23 years providing holistic psychiatric assessments and psychotherapeutic treatments for adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues such as depression and anxiety.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is increasing and the trend is expected to continue. It is due to the increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming increasingly widespread. In addition, a lot of sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can do to their lives and relationships, and are prepared to pay for a diagnosis so they can get 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 exposed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds to receive poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious issue that the government needs to address.
Currently, adults can choose which doctor they wish to see to make an appointment. However, this option is often limited to specific NHS health regions as well as to doctors who have contracts with these providers. GPs may be overworked and are unable to provide a complete service for adults with ADHD. This has led to an increase in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
While certain 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, and there is a danger that this could lead to patients who are overly concerned about their symptoms. This won't help patients live a better life and could cost money that could be used on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
In contrast, some NHS services are exemplary and provide a high-quality and comprehensive service for people suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a nationally acclaimed center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these facilities are having to cope with the demands of an ever-growing patient population.
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 well-being and can help you improve various aspects of your life such as work and relationships. You must inform your insurance provider of any medical condition so that they can help you determine the right level of cover for you.
If you have a private health insurance policy, you should check its terms and conditions to determine whether it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health each have their own policies. Some of them will not cover the exam, but others will. It is crucial to read the terms and condition carefully to know what they cover.
GPs may not be able to refer a patient to an ADHD evaluation due to a variety of reasons. However this isn't always the situation. If your GP does not want to assist you, look for a different one. If your GP will not sign a shared-care agreement with you to prescribe medication, you can try to seek an additional opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are many online ADHD tests available, but they can be inaccurate.