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. Anyone who is registered in England with a GP are able to opt to be referred privately making use of their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed within a matter of months, as opposed to waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
A growing number of people are seeking to diagnose ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that more than one million adults are not diagnosed with ADHD. The wait times for NHS assessments have risen significantly. In some areas it can take up to seven years to make an appointment for an assessment. Celebrities, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas, have also spoken out about their experiences with the condition. However, many adults with an assessment are forced to seek help privately.
In a few instances, patients have been told that they will have to wait for up to 18 months before receiving an appointment for ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is the reason. This is especially true in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to keep up with demand. Referrals result from the absence of a top-down strategy for ADHD. This has resulted in the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private companies such as Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. A journalist undercover visited three private clinics and was deemed with ADHD by all. private adhd assessment adults claims that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribe powerful medication without providing adequate advice about adverse effects. Despite these claims the BBC's report has been criticised for failing to focus on the larger issues relating to the treatment of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The increased awareness of the condition and the growing number of people who seek a diagnosis are to blame. The demand has even surpassed the capacity of NHS services, with some areas being unable to offer an assessment in any way. Those who are lucky enough to be able to access an assessment through the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are a variety of ways that people can reduce the time they wait for an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to talk to their GP and explain why they think they may be suffering from the condition. Their doctor should be aware of their concerns and refer them for an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of being diagnosed with ADHD can be a snooze for adults. The NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for ADHD assessments. This has led to numerous ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. These are not always accurate and can lead to mistaken diagnosis.
If you're seeking a diagnosis for ADHD it is crucial to find a psychiatrist that is specialized in this disorder. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the knowledge of skills, experience and expertise to diagnose. If you are unsure who to contact, check with your local mental health service for the list of approved providers. You may also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist which is typically the quickest method to receive an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking help for the condition. While it isn't possible to completely cure the disorder however, there are a variety of treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications as well as psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Additionally, some people are also taking supplements to reduce the symptoms.
A psychiatrist with a specialization in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can evaluate your symptoms, which could include difficulties concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleeping habits and emotional dysregulation. They'll also want details about your childhood and your family history. They will then develop a plan specific to you. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
You can make a legal decision if your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use this Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your location. Alternatively, you can also avail the services of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and offer shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric assessments to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in addition to other issues such as depression and anxiety.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD tests is increasing and is expected to continue. This is due to a variety of factors, including increased awareness about the condition, a underfunded NHS and a world where mental health issues are more prevalent. Additionally, many sufferers can see the harm that untreated ADHD can do to their lives and relationships and are willing to pay for a diagnosis so that they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which focused on the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised the issue 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 must address.
Currently, adults can choose which psychiatrist they want to visit to make an appointment. However this option is usually restricted to specific NHS health regions and GPs with agreements with these providers. The GPs are often overwhelmed and not able to provide a complete service for people suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have risen in popularity, as they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are excellent, but others are not as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which could lead patients to be overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not help them to live better lives and could waste money that could be used on other services, like those for anxiety or depression.
Certain NHS services on the other hand are exceptional and provide a professional and comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these facilities are struggling with the demand of increasing numbers of patients.
Insurance
It's costly to get an individual ADHD assessment but it's well worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis is crucial for your well-being and can help you improve the quality of your life in many areas such as work and relationships. You should inform your insurance provider of any diagnosis so that they can help you determine the best level of protection for you.
If you have an insurance policy for private health, you should check its terms and conditions to determine whether it 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 assessment, but others will. It is crucial to study the terms and conditions carefully to understand what they cover.
Doctors may not recommend patients for an ADHD assessment due to different reasons but this isn't always a valid reason. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, try to find another one. If your GP won't sign a shared-care agreement with you, you may have a second opinion in an ADHD clinic. There are several online ADHD tests to choose from however, they can be misleading.