ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for services at an all time high and the need for private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Patients in England with a GP can opt to be referred privately by using their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A growing number of people are seeking an assessment for ADHD. It is estimated that more than a million adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are increasing. In some regions, it could take up to seven years for an appointment to become available. High-profile individuals, such as 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 cases patients have been informed that they must wait for up to 18 months before receiving a prescription of ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is at fault. The problem is especially acute in Greater Manchester where service providers are struggling to meet the demand. Referrals result from the lack of a top-down strategy for ADHD. This has resulted in 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. An undercover journalist toured three private clinics and was found to be diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC has claimed that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without providing proper guidance about the possible side effects. Despite these claims, the BBC's report has come under fire for failing to focus on the wider issues that surround the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. This is due to increasing awareness and a rising number of people seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand has surpassed the capacity of NHS services, with some areas unable to provide an assessment in any way. If you are lucky enough to get an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for a long time before they can get treatment.
There are a few ways for people to reduce the time it takes to wait to receive an ADHD diagnosis. First, they must talk to their GP to explain the reason they think they might be suffering from ADHD. The doctor should take their concerns seriously and refer them to an examination.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be difficult. The NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for ADHD tests. This has lead to numerous short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These aren't always accurate and can result in an incorrect diagnosis.
It is essential to speak with an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD when seeking an diagnosis. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the skills, knowledge and experience required to recognize ADHD. If you're not sure who to contact ask the local mental health services for an approved list of providers. You can also request your GP to refer you to a specialist which is typically the quickest method of getting an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and many people are seeking assistance for the disorder. While it is not possible to treat the condition, there are a number of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Some people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist with a specialization in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, poor sleeping habits and emotional dysregulation. They'll also want details about your childhood as well as your family history. Then, they'll develop a plan specifically tailored to your needs. This could include psychotherapy or medication.
If you are referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England you have a legal right to choose which provider to see. You can utilize this Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your area. You can also use a private clinic to do NHS assessments. These clinics offer video calls and have shorter waiting times.
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 to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), alongside other presenting issues like depression and anxiety.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD tests is increasing, and this trend is set to continue. This is due to a variety of factors, such as increased awareness about the condition, a underfunded NHS, and a world where mental health issues are more prevalent. Many sufferers are aware of the damage that untreated ADHD could cause to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay for getting diagnosed so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics brought up concerns about businesses that exploit vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama exposed that some private clinics charge people thousands of pounds to receive poor assessments and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious issue that the government must tackle.
Currently, adults can choose which doctor they wish to visit for an appointment. However this option is usually limited to specific NHS health regions and GPs with agreements with these providers. GPs may be overworked and unable to provide full-service for people suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity since they are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
While certain private services do a good job but others aren't as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which could cause patients to become overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not help patients live a better life and could cause a loss of money that could be spent on other services, such as those for anxiety or depression.
However, some NHS services are exemplary and provide a high-quality, comprehensive service to people suffering from ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and care. However, these services are struggling to cope with the demands of an expanding patient population. they're not likely to improve unless the government makes better investments in mental health care.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be expensive but it can be worth it if you're in a position to afford it. The diagnosis can improve your living conditions and help you in many areas including your relationships at work and in other areas. Your insurance provider should be informed of any diagnosis to determine the most appropriate 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 will not pay for the exam, but others will. You should review the terms and conditions carefully to find out what they cover.
GPs may refuse to refer patients for an ADHD evaluation for a variety of reasons however this isn't always justified. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, then try finding a different one. If your GP won't sign a shared-care agreement with you regarding medication, you may want to get a check here second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are also a variety of online ADHD assessments, however they could be inaccurate.