ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments have become increasingly popular since wait times are at an all-time high. Anyone who is registered in England with a GP can opt to have their ADHD assessed privately making use of their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to get assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A growing number of people are seeking the diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that over one million adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are rising. In some areas it can take up to seven years to get an appointment for an assessment. Celebrities, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas, have also spoken out about their experiences with the condition. However many adults who require a diagnosis are forced to seek assistance privately.
In some cases patients were told that they would need to wait 18 months to be given a prescription for ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is to blame. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with demand. Referrals are the result of the absence of a top-down approach for ADHD. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private companies 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 went to three private clinics, all of which diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribe powerful medications without providing proper advice about side effects. Despite these claims, the BBC's report has been criticized for failing to focus on the wider issues surrounding the provision 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 increased awareness and a growing number of people seeking to diagnose the condition. The demand has surpassed 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 can get treatment.
There are a variety of ways for people to reduce the time it takes to wait to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to talk to their GP and explain why they think that they might be suffering from the condition. Their GP should be aware of their concerns and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a snooze for adults. The NHS is unable to meet the demand for ADHD assessments. This has led to numerous ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. These aren't always reliable and could lead to a incorrect diagnosis.
If you're seeking a diagnosis for ADHD it is crucial to consult an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this type of condition. A general practitioner or psychologist may not possess the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to diagnose ADHD. If you're unsure who to call, you can ask your local mental health service for a list. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist which is usually the fastest method of getting an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking assistance for the condition. While it is not possible to completely cure the disorder however, there are a variety of treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle adjustments. In addition, some people are taking supplements to treat the 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 sleeping habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also request details about your childhood and your family history. Then, they will develop a plan tailored to you. This may include psychotherapy or medication.
If you're referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England you have the legal right to select the right provider. This Right to Choose service allows you to select the clinic in your area that provides NHS assessments. You can also make use of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics can make video calls and have 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 assessments 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 growing, and this trend is set to continue. This is due to a mix of factors, including increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS, and a world where mental health issues are more common. In addition, many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay for a diagnosis so they can get treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which examined the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some businesses are exploitation of vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama revealed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds to receive poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious issue and something that must be addressed by the government.
The NHS allows adults to select the psychiatrist they want to see to schedule a diagnostic appointment. However this option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions and to GPs read more with agreements with these providers. This means that GPs are often overwhelmed with this work and might not be able to provide a complete service to adults with ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity because they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are great, but others are not as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which could lead patients to become overly concerned with their symptoms. This will not allow them live better lives and will cost money that could be used on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
Some NHS services, on the other hand are excellent and offer a professional, comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. However, these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of an expanding patient population, and they are unlikely to change unless the government makes better investments in mental health services.
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 quality of life and can help you improve the quality of your life in many areas, including work and relationships. Your insurance provider should be aware of any diagnosis to determine the best level of protection for you.
If you have a private health insurance policy be sure to check the terms and conditions of the policy to see whether it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health, all have different policies. Some will not cover the assessment, but others will. It is important to review the terms and conditions carefully to know what they cover.
Doctors may refuse to refer a patient to an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons. However it isn't always the situation. If your GP is unwilling to help then find a different. If your doctor is unwilling to sign a shared care agreement with you regarding medication, you may want to get an additional opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are many online ADHD tests available however, they can be incorrect.