ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With service wait times at an all-time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. 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 couple of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
An increasing number of people are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD. In how to get a private adhd assessment is estimated that nearly one million adults are not diagnosed with ADHD. The waiting times for NHS assessments have risen significantly. In certain regions, it could take as long as seven years for an assessment appointment to become available. Some famous people have spoken out about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. Many adults who need a diagnosis must seek help privately.
In some cases patients have been informed that they have to wait for up to 18 months for a prescription of ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of staff in the public health system. This is especially true in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with demand. The absence of a top-down strategy for ADHD is the cause, with services swamped by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing 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 diagnosis ADHD. An undercover journalist toured three private clinics and was found to be diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC has claimed that these clinics rush through tests and prescribing dangerous drugs without giving proper advice about the possible side effects. Despite these claims the BBC's report has come under fire for failing to focus 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. The increased awareness of the condition and the increasing number of people who seek an assessment are the reason. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services, with some areas not able to offer an assessment even. Those who are lucky enough to get an assessment on the NHS have long wait times for treatment.
There are a variety of methods to speed up the time required to wait for ADHD diagnoses. First, they should speak to their GP to discuss the reasons they believe they have ADHD. Their 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 meet the demand for ADHD tests. This has led to a lot of short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These aren't always accurate and could result in a misdiagnosis.
It is essential to speak with a psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD for a diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the necessary knowledge of skills, experience and expertise to diagnose. If you are unsure who to contact you can check with your local mental health service for an approved list of providers. You could also request your GP to refer you to a specialist which is typically the quickest way to get an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and a lot of people are seeking assistance for the condition. While it is not possible to completely cure the condition, there are a number of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. In addition, some people are taking supplements to help reduce the symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can help you find the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms, which could include difficulties in concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleeping 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 the combination of both.
You have a legal choice if your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use the Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your area. You can also use a private clinic for NHS assessments. These clinics have shorter waiting times and also offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of combined experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric assessments to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), alongside other issues such as anxiety and depression.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is on the rise and is expected to increase. It is partly down to the increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming increasingly widespread. Additionally, many patients can see the damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay for a diagnosis so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics brought up concerns about businesses that exploit vulnerable patients. The program revealed that some private clinics are charging people thousands of pounds for subpar assessment services, and poor aftercare. This is a serious problem that the government must tackle.
Currently, adults can choose which doctor they wish to consult for an appointment. This option is typically restricted to certain NHS health regions or doctors who have agreements with these providers. GPs may be overworked and not able to provide a full service for adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have risen in popularity, as they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
While certain private services perform well but others aren't as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which could lead patients to become obsessed with their symptoms. This won't help them live better lives and could cause a loss of money that could be used on other services, such as those for anxiety or depression.
Certain NHS services on the other hand are exceptional and offer a professional and complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is internationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and care. Even these facilities are struggling with the demand of a rapidly growing patient population.
Insurance
It can be costly to have an in-depth ADHD assessment, but it's worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis can enhance your quality of living and help you in many areas such as your relationships and work. Your insurance provider should be aware of any diagnosis to determine the best level of protection for you.
Review your policy's terms and conditions to determine whether it covers ADHD tests. The four major private health insurance providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some of them will not cover the exam, but others will. It is important to go over the terms and conditions attentively to understand what they cover.
GPs may not be able to refer a patient to an ADHD evaluation due to a variety of reasons. However this isn't always the case. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, look for a different one. If your doctor is unwilling to sign a shared care contract with you for medication, you may want to seek an additional opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are also a variety of online ADHD assessments available, but they could be incorrect.