ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for service at an all time high private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. Anyone who is registered with a GP in England can avail their "Right to Choose" and opt to be referred to a private provider.
This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, which is a far cry from waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting 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. Waiting times for NHS assessments have increased significantly. In some areas it can take up to seven years to make an appointment for an assessment. Famous people, like Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken out about their experiences with the disease. Many adults who need an assessment must seek out help privately.
In a few instances patients have been informed that they have to wait up to 18 months for an appointment for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of staff in the public health system. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with the demand. Referrals result from the absence of a top-down approach for ADHD. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private companies like Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times 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 rush through tests and prescribing dangerous medications without offering proper advice regarding possible adverse consequences. Despite these claims the BBC's report has been criticised for not focusing on the wider issues surrounding the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. This is a result of increasing awareness and a rising number of patients seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand has surpassed the capacity of NHS services, with some areas being unable to offer an assessment in any way. If you are fortunate enough to receive an assessment from the NHS face long waits for treatment.
There are several ways to reduce the time required to wait for ADHD diagnosis. The first is to speak to their GP and explain the reason they think they may be suffering from the condition. Your GP should be concerned and send them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult for adults. There is a high demand for ADHD assessments, yet the NHS is struggling to meet this demand. This has led to numerous short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. They aren't always reliable and can result in a misdiagnosis.
It is important to consult an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD for a diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the expertise or expertise required to make a diagnosis. If you're unsure of who to contact, check with the local mental health services for an approved list of providers. You can request your GP for a referral to an expert. This is the fastest way to receive an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more common, and many people seek help. While it isn't possible to completely cure the condition but there are a number of treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. Certain people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
A psychiatrist with a specialization in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. They can evaluate your symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, poor sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood and your family history. They will then create an individualized plan for you, which could include psychotherapy, medication or an amalgamation of both.
You have a legal choice in the event that your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use this Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your region. You can also use the services of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics have shorter waiting times and also offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have combined experience of more than 23 years of providing holistic psychiatric assessments and psychotherapeutic interventions for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as other presenting issues like anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD tests is increasing and the trend is set to continue. This is partly due to increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming increasingly common. In addition, many sufferers can see the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their relationships and careers, and are prepared to pay for a diagnosis so that they can 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 BBC Panorama documentary revealed that private clinics cost patients thousands of here pounds for mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious problem that the government must address.
At present, the NHS lets adults choose which psychiatrist to visit for a diagnostic appointment. This option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions or to GPs with agreements with these providers. The GPs are often overwhelmed and not able to provide a full service for people suffering from ADHD. This has led to a growth in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually less expensive than NHS appointments.
While some of these private services do a good job but others aren't as dependable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis, and there is a chance that this will result in patients who are too concerned about their symptoms. This will not allow them live better lives and will cost money that could be spent on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
Certain NHS services however, are exemplary, and offer a professional and complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a well-known center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these facilities 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 it's something you can afford. The diagnosis can improve your living conditions and assist you in a variety of areas, including your relationships and work. Your insurance provider must be aware of any diagnosis to determine the best level of coverage you need.
Review your policy's terms and conditions to determine if the policy covers ADHD assessments. 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. You should go over the terms and conditions attentively to understand what they cover.
GPs can refuse to refer a patient to an ADHD evaluation for a number of reasons. However this isn't always the case. If your GP does not want to help you, try finding a different one. If your GP isn't willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you, you may seek a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are also several online ADHD assessments that are available, but they could be inaccurate.