ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular since wait times are at an all-time high. Those registered in England with a GP can opt to be referred privately by using their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows patients to be diagnosed and assessed within months, compared to waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
An increasing number of people are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD. It is estimated that more than one million adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are soaring. In certain areas, it can take as long as seven years for an appointment to become available. Famous people, like Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken out about their experiences with the condition. Many adults who require medical attention must seek it privately.
In some instances patients were told that they would have to wait 18 months to receive the prescription for ADHD medication. This is due to the 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. A lack of a top-down strategy for ADHD is the cause as services are overwhelmed by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is a long wait for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate on the way private clinics diagnosis ADHD. The investigation involved an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics, and all of them diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are rushing through assessments and prescribing powerful medications without offering proper advice regarding possible adverse effects. Despite these claims however, the BBC report has been criticized for failing to pay attention to the larger issues surrounding the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of over 10,000 adult ADHD patients. This is a result of an increase in awareness and a growing number of people seeking to diagnose the condition. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services in some areas, and they are not able to offer an assessment even. For those fortunate enough to be able to get an assessment through the NHS will have long waits before they are able to receive treatment.
There are a few ways for people to reduce the time it takes to wait for an ADHD diagnosis. First, they should speak to their GP to discuss the reasons they think they might have ADHD. The doctor must take their concerns seriously and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be difficult. The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments. This has led to many shortcuts, from online assessments to private clinics. These are not always reliable and could result in a misdiagnosis.
If you're seeking a diagnosis for ADHD it is crucial to consult a psychiatrist that is specialized in this disorder. A general practitioner or psychologist may not possess the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to diagnose ADHD. If you are unsure who to call, 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 typically the quickest method to receive an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more commonplace, and many people seek help. While it is not possible to treat the condition but there are a number of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications and psychotherapy as well as lifestyle modifications. In addition, some people are taking supplements to treat the symptoms.
A specialist psychiatrist in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment to treat your symptoms. They can assess you for signs such as difficulties in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleeping habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also request information about your childhood and your family history. Then, they'll develop a plan specific to you. This could include medication or psychotherapy.
If you are referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England you have a legal right to select the right provider. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose the clinic in your area that offers NHS assessments. Alternately, you can use the services of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics have shorter waiting times and offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney, have together more than 23 years in providing holistic psychiatric assessments as well as psychotherapeutic treatments for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues like anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is increasing and is set to continue. It is due to the increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming more common. Many patients are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD could do to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay to get diagnosed to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics brought up concerns about businesses that exploit vulnerable patients. The programme exposed that some private clinics are charging people thousands of pounds for subpar assessment services, and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue that the government must address.
Currently, the NHS allows adults to choose which psychiatrist to see for a diagnostic appointment. This choice is usually limited to specific NHS health regions or to doctors who have agreements with these providers. As a result, GPs are often overwhelmed with this task and may not be able offer a full service to adults suffering from ADHD. This has led to an increase in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually less expensive than NHS appointments.
While certain private services are good at what they do but others aren't as reliable or professional as the NHS. private adhd assessment of these services charge for the diagnosis, which can lead patients to become overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not improve their lives and cost money that could be used for other services like anxiety or depression.
Certain NHS services on the other hand, are exemplary, and offer a professional, complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a nationally acclaimed center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these services are in a struggle to meet the demands of increasing numbers of patients.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly, but it may be worth it if in a position to afford it. The diagnosis is essential for your well-being and can assist you in improving many areas of your life, including work and relationships. Your insurance provider must be informed of any diagnosis to determine the best amount of protection for you.
If you have an insurance policy for private health be sure to 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 will not pay for the examination, while others will. You should read the terms and conditions carefully to find out what they cover.
GPs may not be able to refer a patient for an ADHD evaluation due to a variety of reasons. However it isn't always the case. If your GP is unable to assist, find another. If your doctor won't sign a shared-care contract with you, you may get a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are a variety of online ADHD tests that are available however they could be incorrect.