ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With service wait times at an all time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Those registered with a GP in England have the option of using their 'Right to Choose' and choose to be sent to a private company.
This allows patients to be assessed and diagnosed within months, compared to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
A growing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that over one million adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and the waiting times for NHS assessments are increasing. In some areas, it can take up seven years to secure an appointment for an assessment. High-profile individuals, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken about their experiences with the disease. Many adults who require an assessment must seek out help privately.
In some cases, patients were told they would need wait for 18 months before they could receive a prescription for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of personnel in the public health system. The problem is especially severe in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with demand. Referrals are the 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 controversy over how 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 assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without giving proper advice regarding possible adverse consequences. Despite these claims the BBC's report has been criticized for not focusing on the wider issues that surround the provision 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 for NHS services has surpassed the capacity of the service, and some areas aren't able to provide an assessment. The lucky ones to be able to access an assessment through the NHS have long wait times for treatment.
There are a variety of ways to reduce the waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. First, they should speak to their GP to discuss the reasons they believe they may be suffering from ADHD. The doctor should take their concerns seriously and refer them for an examination.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it can be a bit difficult. There is a lot of demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is unable to meet the demand. This has led to a variety of shortcuts, from online assessments to private clinics. They aren't always accurate and can lead to mistaken diagnosis.
When seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is essential to seek out a psychiatrist who specialises in this disorder. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the skills, knowledge and experience required to recognize ADHD. If you're unsure of who to contact you can check with your local mental health service for a list of approved providers. You can ask your GP for a referral to an expert. This is the fastest method of receiving an ADHD assessment.
There is an can i get a private adhd assessment increasing awareness of ADHD and many people are seeking help for the condition. While it isn't possible to cure the condition but there are a number of treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle adjustments. Certain people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
A specialist psychiatrist in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment to treat your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms for difficulties in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood, and your family history. They will then devise a personalised plan for you, which could include psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both.
If you're recommended an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England, you have a legal right choose which provider to see. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose an area-specific clinic that offers NHS assessments. Alternatively, you can also make use of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics can make video calls and offer shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of combined experience in providing holistic psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments to adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues such as depression and anxiety.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing and is expected to continue. It is due to the increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming increasingly widespread. Many sufferers are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD could cause to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay to be diagnosed in order to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics raised concerns about companies exploiting vulnerable patients. The BBC Panorama documentary revealed that private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds to receive poor assessments and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious concern and is something that must be addressed by the government.
Adults can currently choose the psychiatrist they would like to see to make an appointment. This option is usually restricted to specific NHS health regions, or to GPs with contracts with these providers. In the end, GPs are often overburdened with this task and might not be able to offer a full service to adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity, as they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are great however, others aren't as dependable or 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 will not allow patients live a better life and could waste money that could be spent on other services, such as those for depression or anxiety.
In contrast, some NHS services are excellent and offer a professional, comprehensive 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. Even these facilities are struggling with the demand of an ever-growing patient population.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly, but it may be worth it if you're in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis is crucial to your quality of life and can help you improve the quality of your life in many areas, including work and relationships. Your insurance provider must be aware of any diagnosis to determine the best amount of coverage you need.
Check your policy's terms and conditions to determine if the policy covers ADHD tests. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health, all have different policies. Some companies will not pay the assessment fee, while others will. It is important to study the terms and conditions carefully to fully understand what they cover.
Doctors may not send patients to an ADHD evaluation for various reasons however this isn't always the case. If your GP does not want to help you, try to find another one. If your GP isn't willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you, you may have a second opinion in an ADHD clinic. There are also a variety of online ADHD assessments, however they can be misleading.