ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular as service wait times are at an all-time high. Patients who have a GP in England can avail their "Right to Choose" and opt to be directed to a private service.
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 increasing number of people are seeking an assessment for ADHD. It is estimated that over one million adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and the waiting times for NHS assessments are increasing. In some areas, it can take as long as seven years for an appointment to be available. A few prominent people have been vocal about the condition, such as 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 were told that they would have to wait 18 months to get the prescription for ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is the reason. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with demand. The lack of a top-down approach to ADHD is to blame, with services swamped by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing adult ADHD evaluation to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over how private clinics diagnose ADHD. A journalist undercover visited three private clinics and was diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribe powerful medication without offering proper advice on adverse effects. Despite these claims however, the BBC report has been criticized as failing to pay attention to the larger issues relating to the provision ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. The increased awareness of ADHD and the increasing number of people who seek for a diagnosis are to blame. The demand has surpassed the capacity of NHS services and some areas are being unable to offer an assessment in any way. Those who are fortunate enough to receive an assessment through the NHS will have long waits before they can get treatment.
There are many ways to reduce the waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. First, they should talk to their GP to explain the reason they believe they be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it can be frustrating. The NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for ADHD assessments. This has led to many ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. These are not always reliable and could lead to a misdiagnosis.
When seeking a diagnosis of ADHD, it is important to seek out an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this condition. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the expertise, skills and experience to make a diagnosis. If you are unsure who to call ask your local mental health service for the list of approved providers. You can also request your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is usually the fastest method to receive an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more common, and many people seek assistance. There is no cure for ADHD, but there are treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications and psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. Some people also take supplements to help reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can evaluate you for signs such as difficulty in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood, and your family history. Then, they'll make a plan specific to you. This may include psychotherapy or medication.
You have a legal choice in the event that your GP suggests an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to select a clinic in your area that provides NHS assessments. Alternatively, you can also avail the services of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics provide 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 evaluations to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting problems like anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is increasing and the trend is expected to continue. This is partly due to the increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming more widespread. Many patients are aware of the damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay to be diagnosed in order to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which focused on the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama revealed that private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious issue that the government needs to address.
Adults can currently choose the psychiatrist they would like to see to make an appointment. This option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions or GPs with contracts with these providers. As a result, GPs are often overwhelmed with this work and may not be able offer a full service to adults with ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are typically less expensive than NHS appointments.
private adhd assessment of these private services are excellent however, others aren't as dependable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which can lead patients to be overly concerned with their symptoms. This will not help their lives, and could cost money that could have been spent on other treatments such as anxiety or depression.
Certain NHS services however are excellent and offer a professional and comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London, is a nationally recognized center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these facilities are having to cope with the demands of an ever-growing patient population.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly however it could be worth it if you're in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis is essential for your overall health and can assist you in improving many areas of your life including relationships and work. You should inform your insurance provider of any diagnosis so they can assist you in determining the appropriate level of coverage for you.
Check your policy's terms and conditions to determine if the policy covers ADHD tests. The four major private health insurance providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some will not pay for the assessment, but others will. It is crucial to review the terms and conditions carefully to fully understand what they cover.
GPs might not be able to recommend 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 look for a different one. If your GP won't sign a shared care agreement with you to prescribe medication, it is possible to seek another opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are also several online ADHD assessments, however they can be incorrect.