ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments have become more popular as wait times are at an all-time high. Patients who have a GP in England can use their 'Right to Choose' and request to be referred to a private provider.
This enables them to be assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, rather than waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A increasing number of people seek an assessment for ADHD. In the UK, it is estimated that nearly one million adults are not diagnosed with ADHD. The waiting times for NHS assessments have increased dramatically. In certain areas, it can take as long as seven years for an assessment 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 disease. Many adults who require medical attention must seek it privately.
In some cases patients have been told that they have to wait for up to 18 months for an appointment for ADHD medication. The shortage of staff within the public health system is to blame. The issue is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers are struggling to meet demand. Referrals result from the absence of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private firms like Psychiatry UK, resulting in long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate over the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation included an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics. All of them diagnosed him with the condition. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are speeding through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without providing proper guidance regarding possible adverse effects. Despite these claims, the BBC's report has been criticized for not focusing on the wider issues that surround the treatment of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The increased awareness of ADHD and the increasing number of people seeking an assessment are the reason. The demand for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and certain areas aren't able to provide an assessment. Those who are lucky enough to get an assessment on the NHS have long wait times for treatment.
There are several ways for people to reduce the time they wait for an ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain why they believe they may have the condition. Their GP should be concerned and send them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it can be difficult. The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD tests. This has lead to numerous shortcuts, ranging from private clinics to online assessments. They aren't always reliable and could lead to a misdiagnosis.
When seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is essential to consult an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this condition. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the skills, knowledge and expertise required to diagnose ADHD. If you're not sure who to call, you can ask your local mental health center for an alphabetical list. You may also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist which is typically the quickest way to get an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more common, and a lot of people seek help. While it is not possible to completely cure the condition but there are a number of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications as well as psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. Certain people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
private adhd assessment with expertise in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment to treat your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms, including difficulties concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleeping habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood, and your family history. Then, they'll develop a plan specifically tailored to your needs. 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. This Right to Choose service allows you to select an area-specific clinic that provides NHS assessments. Alternatively, you can also use the services of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times and also offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of combined experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric assessments for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as other issues such as anxiety and depression.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is on the rise and is expected to grow. It is due to the increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming increasingly common. Many patients are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD could do to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay to be diagnosed so they can 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 programme exposed that some private clinics are charging people thousands of pounds for mediocre assessment services and poor aftercare. This is a serious concern and is something that must be addressed by the government.
The NHS lets adults choose the psychiatrist they want to see for a diagnostic appointment. This option is usually restricted to a few NHS health regions or to GPs with agreements with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and not able to provide full-service for people suffering from ADHD. This has led to a growth in private ADHD assessment services, which are typically cheaper than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are great however, others aren't as reliable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis, and there is a risk that this will result in patients who are too concerned about their symptoms. This won't help them live better lives and could cost money that could be spent on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
However, some NHS services are exceptional and provide a high-quality and comprehensive service for adults suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a nationally acclaimed center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. However, these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of an growing patient population, and they are unlikely to change unless the government makes better investments in mental health care.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly, but it may be worth it if in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis can enhance your quality of living and aid you in a variety of areas, including your relationships and work. Your insurance provider should be informed of any diagnosis to determine the most appropriate level of coverage for you.
If you have an insurance policy for private health it is important to review the terms and conditions of the policy to see whether it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private health insurance providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health all have different policies. Certain companies do not have to pay the assessment fee while others will. It is important to read the terms and conditions attentively to learn 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 does not want to help you, try finding a different one. If your doctor won't agree to a shared-care arrangement with you, you may get a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are also a variety of online ADHD assessments that are available, but they can be misleading.