ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for services at an all time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Anyone who is registered in England with a GP are able to opt to have their ADHD assessed privately applying for a 'Right of choice'.
This enables them to be assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, as opposed to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A growing number of people are seeking to diagnose ADHD. It is estimated that over one million adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and wait times for NHS assessments are soaring. In some areas it can take up to seven years to get an appointment for an assessment. Some high-profile individuals have expressed their opinions about the condition, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However many people in need of a diagnosis are having to seek out help privately.
In some instances patients were told they would have to wait 18 months to be given the prescription for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of staff in the public health system. The issue is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers struggle to meet demand. Referrals are a result of the lack of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private firms such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in lengthy waiting periods for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. An undercover journalist visited three private clinics and was found to be diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through tests and prescribe powerful medication without providing adequate advice about the adverse effects. In spite of these claims, the BBC's report has been criticised for failing to focus on the wider issues surrounding 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 to diagnose the condition. The demand for NHS services has exceeded the capacity of the service, and some areas are unable to offer an assessment. If you are lucky enough to be able to get an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for long periods before they are able to receive treatment.
There are many ways to reduce the waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to talk to their GP and explain why they think that they might have the condition. Your GP should be concerned and recommend an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the process can be a bit difficult. The NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for ADHD assessments. This has led to many short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These aren't always reliable and could lead to a incorrect diagnosis.
It is essential to speak with an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD in the event of a diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the expertise or expertise required to diagnose. If you're not sure whom to ask, consult your local mental health clinic for the list. You can request your GP for an appointment with a specialist. This is the most efficient method to get an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more and more common, and a lot of people seek help. There is no cure for ADHD, but there are treatments which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications and psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. Additionally, some people are taking supplements to help read more reduce the symptoms.
A specialist psychiatrist in ADHD can help find the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can evaluate your symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, poor sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask for information about your childhood and your family history. Then, they will develop a plan specific to you. This could include medication or psychotherapy.
You can make a legal decision when your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to select a clinic in your area that offers NHS assessments. You can also avail the services of private clinics that offer NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times and offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as other issues such as depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to continue. It is partly down to increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming increasingly common. In addition, many patients can see the damage that untreated ADHD can do to their relationships and careers and are willing to be willing to pay for a diagnosis in order that they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which focused on the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some businesses are exploitation of vulnerable patients. The program revealed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for poor assessment services and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious issue and is something that must be addressed by the government.
Adults can currently choose the psychiatrist they would like to consult for an appointment. However this option is usually restricted to specific NHS health regions and doctors who have agreements with these providers. GPs may be overworked and are unable to provide a complete service for people suffering from ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are typically less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are excellent however, others aren't 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 won't improve their lives and will cost money that could have been used for other services such as anxiety or depression.
Some NHS services however, are exemplary, and provide a professional and complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. But even these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of a rapidly expanding patient population, and they're unlikely to improve unless the government improves investment in mental health care.
Insurance
It can be costly to have a private ADHD assessment, but it's worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis can enhance your living conditions and help you in many areas including your work and relationships. You should inform your insurance company of any diagnosis so that they can assist you in determining the best level of protection for you.
Examine your policy's terms & conditions to determine if it covers ADHD tests. Axa PPP (private healthcare provider), Aviva (private health insurance provider), Bupa (private health insurance provider) and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some companies won't be required to pay the assessment cost, while others will. It is essential to review the terms and conditions carefully to know what they cover.
Doctors may refuse to refer a patient for an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons. However, this is not always the situation. If your GP is unwilling to help, find another. If your doctor is unwilling to sign a shared-care agreement with you for medication, you may want to get a second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are several online ADHD tests that are available, but they can be misleading.