ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With service wait times at an all-time high and the need for private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. Those registered in England with a GP can opt to have their ADHD assessed privately applying for a 'Right of choice'.
This allows patients to be assessed and diagnosed within months, compared to waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A growing number of people seek a diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that more than a million adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and wait times for NHS assessments are increasing. In some regions, it could take as long as seven years for an assessment appointment to become available. Some high-profile individuals have expressed their opinions about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However, many adults who require an assessment are forced to seek help privately.
In a few instances, patients were told they would need wait 18 months to get the prescription for ADHD medication. The shortage 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 the demands. Referrals are the result of the absence of a top-down approach for ADHD. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD evaluation to private providers like Psychiatry UK. The result is a long wait for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about the method by which private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation was conducted by an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics, all of which diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are rushing through tests and prescribing dangerous drugs without giving proper advice regarding possible adverse effects. However the BBC's report has been criticised for failing to focus on the larger issues relating to the treatment of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. This is due to an increase in awareness and a growing number of patients seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand for NHS services has exceeded the capacity of the service, and some regions are not able to provide an assessment. Those who are fortunate enough to receive an assessment through the NHS will have long waits before they can receive treatment.
There are a variety of methods to speed up the waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to talk to their GP and explain the reason they believe they may be suffering from the condition. Their GP should be concerned and recommend an assessment.
adhd private assessment of being diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult for adults. The NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for ADHD assessments. This has lead to a lot of short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. They aren't always accurate and can lead to misdiagnosis.
When seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is essential to find a psychiatrist that is specialized in this type of condition. A general practitioner or psychologist may not possess the skills, knowledge and expertise required to diagnose ADHD. If you're not sure which one to go to, check with your local mental health service for the list of approved providers. You may also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist which is usually the fastest way to get an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking help for the condition. There is no cure for ADHD however there are treatment options which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle modifications. Certain people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can help find the best treatment to treat your symptoms. They will evaluate you for signs such as difficulties in concentrating, issues with working memory, sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood and your family history. Then, they'll develop a plan specific to you. This could include psychotherapy or medication.
You can make a legal decision in the event that your GP suggests an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use this Right to Choose service to choose a clinic that provides NHS assessments in your region. Alternatively, you can also use the services of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics have much shorter waiting times and also offer 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 for adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) alongside other presenting issues like depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is on the rise and is expected to increase. It is partly down to increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming more widespread. Many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD could do to their career and relationships and are willing to pay for getting diagnosed to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which examined the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised the issue that some businesses are exploitation of vulnerable patients. The documentary from BBC Panorama revealed that private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds to receive poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious concern and is something that must be addressed by the government.
Currently, the NHS allows adults to select the psychiatrist they want to see for a diagnostic appointment. However the choice is typically restricted to certain NHS health regions as well as to GPs with agreements with these providers. This means that GPs are often overwhelmed with this work and may not be able to provide a full range of services to people suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity, as they are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are excellent, but others are not as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which could lead patients to be overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not help patients live a better life and could waste money that could be spent on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
However, some NHS services are exceptional and offer a professional complete service to adults with ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is nationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these services are in a struggle to meet the demands of an ever-growing patient population.
Insurance
It can be costly to get an individual ADHD assessment, but it's worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis is essential for your well-being and can assist you in improving the quality of your life in many areas including relationships and work. You must inform your insurance provider of any diagnosis so that they can advise you on the right level of cover for you.
Examine your policy's terms & conditions to determine if the policy covers ADHD tests. Axa PPP (private healthcare provider), Aviva (private health insurance provider), Bupa (private health insurance provider), and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some companies will not pay the assessment fee while others will. It is crucial to study the terms and conditions carefully to know what they cover.
Doctors may not refer patients for an ADHD assessment due to various reasons but this isn't always a valid reason. If your GP will not help you, try another. If your GP isn't willing to agree to a shared-care arrangement with you, you can seek a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are also several online ADHD assessments available, but these can be misleading.