ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for service at an all time high private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Patients who have a GP in England can avail their 'Right to Choose' and opt to be directed to a private service.
This allows patients to be diagnosed and assessed in a matter of months, which is a far cry from waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A growing number of people are seeking the diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that more than a million adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are rising. In certain areas, it can take as long as seven years for an appointment to be available. Celebrities, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken about their experiences with the disease. However many people in need of an assessment are forced to seek help privately.
In some instances, patients have been told that they must wait up to 18 months for the prescription of ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is at fault. This is especially true in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to keep up with demand. Referrals result from the lack of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private providers such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in long wait periods for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over how private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation included an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics, and all of them diagnosed the patient with the condition. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are rushing through tests and prescribing dangerous drugs without providing proper guidance about the possible side consequences. Despite these claims however, the BBC report has been criticized as failing to focus its attention on the larger issues relating to the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has an unfinished business of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The increasing awareness of ADHD and the increasing number of people seeking a diagnosis are to blame. The demand for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and certain areas aren't able to provide an assessment. The lucky ones to be able to access an assessment through the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are a few ways that people can reduce the time they wait to receive an ADHD diagnosis. First, they should speak to their GP to explain why they believe they may have ADHD. Their GP should be concerned and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of being diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrating for adults. The NHS is unable to meet the demand for ADHD assessments. This has led to a variety of ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. These are not always accurate and could lead to a misdiagnosis.
It is crucial to consult a psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD when seeking an diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the necessary knowledge or expertise required to make a diagnosis. If you're unsure of who to contact ask your local mental health services for the list of approved providers. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is typically the quickest method to receive an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and a lot of people are seeking help for the disorder. There is no cure for the disorder but there are treatments which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicine and psychotherapy as well as lifestyle changes. In addition, some people are taking supplements to help reduce the symptoms.
A psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD can help find the best treatment to treat your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They'll also want details about your childhood and your family history. They will then devise a personalised plan for you that may include psychotherapy, medication or an amalgamation of both.
You have a legal choice when your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can utilize this Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your area. You can also go to a private clinic to do NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times, and they also provide video calls.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have combined experience of more than 23 years providing holistic psychiatric assessments and psychotherapeutic interventions for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) along with other issues such as depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to continue. It is due to the increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming more prevalent. In addition, a lot of patients can see the damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay for a diagnosis so that they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics raised concerns about companies exploiting vulnerable patients. The BBC Panorama documentary revealed that some read more private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds to receive mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue and something that must be addressed by the government.
Currently, adults can choose which psychiatrist they want to consult for an appointment. However, this option is often restricted to certain NHS health regions and doctors who have agreements with these providers. The GPs are often overwhelmed and are unable to provide a complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have risen in popularity because they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
While some of these private services do a good job but others aren't as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which could cause patients to become obsessed with their symptoms. This won't improve their lives and will cause a loss of money that could have been spent on other treatments such as depression or anxiety.
In contrast, some NHS services are exemplary and provide a professional and comprehensive service for people suffering from ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is internationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these services are having to cope with the demands of increasing numbers of patients.
Insurance
It can be costly to have an individual ADHD assessment but it's well worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis can boost your living quality and assist you in a variety of areas such as your relationships at work and in other areas. Your insurance provider must be informed of any diagnosis to determine the most appropriate level of protection for you.
Check your policy's terms and conditions to determine if the policy covers ADHD assessments. The four major private health insurance providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some will not pay for the examination, while others will. It is important to study the terms and conditions carefully to know what they cover.
GPs might not be able to recommend patients for an ADHD evaluation for a variety of reasons, but this is not always a valid reason. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, try finding a different one. If your doctor won't agree to a shared-care arrangement with you, you can get a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are a variety of online ADHD tests that are available however, they can be misleading.