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. Patients who have a GP in England can use their "Right to Choose" and request to be referred to a private provider.
This allows them to get assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, as opposed to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A growing number of people are seeking an assessment for ADHD. It is estimated that more than a million adults have undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are soaring. In some areas, it can take as long as seven years for an appointment to be available. Famous people, like Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken about their experiences with the disease. private adhd assessment adults who need a diagnosis must seek help privately.
In a few instances patients have been informed that they must wait for up to 18 months before receiving the prescription of ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is at fault. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to keep up with demand. A lack of a top-down approach to ADHD is the cause the issue, as services are swamped by referrals. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private providers like Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate over the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation involved an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics, all of which diagnosed him with the condition. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribe powerful drugs without offering proper advice on adverse effects. However the BBC's report has been criticised for failing to focus on the wider issues surrounding the treatment of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. This is a result of increasing awareness and a rising number of people seeking to diagnose the condition. The demand has surpassed the capacity of NHS services, with some areas not able to offer an assessment at all. Those who are fortunate enough to be able to get an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for long periods before they are able to receive treatment.
There are several ways to cut down the time it takes to receive an ADHD diagnoses. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain the reason they think that they might be suffering from the disorder. Your GP should be concerned and send them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a snooze for adults. The NHS is unable to meet the demand for ADHD assessments. This has led to a lot of shortcuts, ranging from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always reliable and could result in a misdiagnosis.
It is essential to speak with a psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD in the event of a diagnosis. A general practitioner or a psychologist may not possess 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 the list of approved providers. You may also request your GP to refer you to a specialist which is typically the quickest method of getting an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and a lot of people are seeking help for the condition. Although it isn't possible to cure the disorder but there are a number of treatments that can reduce symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications and psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Certain people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD can help you find the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess you for symptoms such as difficulties in concentrating, issues with working memory, sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also request details about your childhood and your family history. They will then create a personalised plan for you that may include psychotherapy, medication or the combination of both.
If you are referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England you have a legal right to choose which provider to see. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose the clinic in your area that provides NHS assessments. You can also make use of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics can make video calls and shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric evaluations for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) along with other issues that present like anxiety and depression.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to increase. This is due to a mix of factors, including a growing awareness about the condition, a lack of funding for the NHS and a world where mental health issues are more frequent. Many patients are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD could do to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay for getting diagnosed in order to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which looked at the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary revealed that certain private clinics are charging patients thousands of pounds for subpar assessment services and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious problem that the government needs to address.
Currently, adults can choose the psychiatrist they would like to consult for an appointment. This choice is usually limited to certain NHS health regions, or to doctors who have agreements with these providers. This means that GPs are often overwhelmed with this task and may not be able provide a complete service to people suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity, as they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
While certain private services do a good job but others aren't as reliable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis itself, and there is a risk that this will result in patients who are overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not help 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 excellent and provide a professional, comprehensive service to people suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London, is a nationally recognized center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these services are having to cope with the demands of an ever-growing patient population.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be expensive but it can be worth it if in a position to afford it. The diagnosis can enhance your living quality and help you in many areas, including your relationships at work and in other areas. It is important to inform your insurance company of any diagnosis so that they can assist you in determining 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. Axa PPP (private healthcare provider), Aviva (private health insurance provider), Bupa (private health insurance provider) and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some will not cover the assessment, but others will. It is essential to read the terms and condition carefully to understand what they cover.
Doctors may refuse to refer a patient for an ADHD evaluation due to a variety of reasons. However this isn't always the case. If your GP will not help, find another. If your GP won't sign a shared-care agreement with you, you may get a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are also a variety of online ADHD assessments that are available, but they could be incorrect.