ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular as wait times are at an all-time high. Anyone who is registered with a GP in England can avail their 'Right to Choose' and request to be directed to a private service.
This allows them to get assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, rather than waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A increasing number of people are seeking the diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that over one million adults have undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and the waiting times for NHS assessments are soaring. In some regions, it could take as long as seven years for an assessment appointment to become available. A few prominent people have been vocal about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However, many adults in need of a diagnosis are forced to seek out help privately.
In a few instances, patients have been told that they must wait for up to 18 months for the prescription of ADHD medication. The shortage of staff within the public health system is the reason. The problem is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with the demand. Referrals are a result of the lack of a top-down strategy for ADHD. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private companies such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in long waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate over the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. A journalist undercover visited three private clinics and was deemed with ADHD by all. The BBC has claimed that these clinics rush through tests and prescribing dangerous drugs without providing proper guidance regarding possible adverse consequences. 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 currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. This is due to increased awareness and a growing number of people seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand has even surpassed the capacity of NHS services, with some areas not able to offer an assessment in any way. If you are fortunate enough to get an assessment on the NHS face long waits for treatment.
There are a variety of ways to cut down the waiting time for an ADHD diagnoses. First, they must talk to their GP to explain why they think they might have ADHD. The doctor must take their concerns seriously and refer them for an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it can be difficult. The NHS is unable to keep up with the demand for ADHD tests. This has lead to a lot of shortcuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These aren't always reliable and can lead to a misdiagnosis.
If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is essential to consult an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this type of condition. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the expertise, knowledge, or experience required to recognize ADHD. If more info you're unsure whom to ask, consult your local mental health center for a list. You can request your GP for a referral to a specialist. This is the fastest way to receive an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more common, and many people seek assistance. Although it isn't possible to completely cure the disorder, there are a number of treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication and psychotherapy as well as lifestyle changes. Some people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A specialist psychiatrist in ADHD can help you find the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, poor sleeping habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood, and your family history. Then, they will develop a plan tailored to you. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
If you are referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England, you have a legal right select the right provider. You can use this Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your location. You can also choose a private clinic to do NHS assessments. These clinics offer video calls and offer shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have a combined experience of more than 23 years providing holistic psychiatric assessment and psychotherapeutic interventions to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) along with other issues that present like depression and anxiety.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD tests is increasing, and this trend is expected to continue. This is due to a combination of factors, including increased awareness about the condition, a deficient NHS, and a world where mental health issues are more prevalent. Many sufferers are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their career and relationships and are willing to pay to be diagnosed to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which focused on the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised the issue that some businesses are exploitation of vulnerable patients. The documentary revealed that certain private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for mediocre assessment services, and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue, and it is something that needs to be addressed by the government.
Currently, the NHS lets adults choose which psychiatrist to see for a diagnostic appointment. This choice is usually limited to certain NHS health regions or doctors who have contracts with these providers. GPs may be overworked and unable to provide a full service for adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity, as they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are good, but others are not as reliable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis itself and there is a danger that this can lead to patients who are overly concerned about their symptoms. This won't help patients live a better life, and it will also cost money that could be spent on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
In contrast, some NHS services are excellent and provide a high-quality complete service to adults with ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and care. But even these services are struggling with the demands of a rapidly expanding patient population, and they are unlikely to change unless the government improves investment in mental health care.
Insurance
It's costly to undergo an individual ADHD assessment, but it's worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis is crucial for your quality of life and can help you improve many areas of your life, including work and relationships. Your insurance provider must be informed of any diagnosis to determine the best level of coverage you need.
If you are a member of an insurance policy for private health it is important to review its terms and conditions to determine if 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. You should go over the terms and conditions carefully to find out what they cover.
Doctors may not refer patients for an ADHD assessment due to various reasons however this isn't always the case. If your GP is unwilling to help you, try another. 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 many online ADHD tests that are available however they could be misleading.