ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for service at an all-time high and the need for private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. Anyone who is registered with a GP in England can use their "Right to Choice" and request to be referred to a private provider.
This enables them to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, as opposed to waiting for 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 over one million adults are not diagnosed with ADHD. The wait times for NHS assessments have increased significantly. In certain regions, it could take as long as seven years for an appointment to be available. A few prominent people have been vocal about the condition, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However, many adults with an assessment are forced to seek out help privately.
In some instances, patients have been told that they 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 to blame. The problem is especially acute in Greater Manchester where service providers are struggling to meet 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 waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation involved an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics, and all of them diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are rushing through tests and prescribing dangerous medications without offering proper advice regarding possible adverse effects. Despite these claims however, the BBC report has been criticized for failing to pay attention to the larger issues surrounding the provision ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. This is due to an increase in awareness and a growing number of patients seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand has even surpassed 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 are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are several ways that people can cut their waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. First, they should speak to their GP to discuss the reasons they believe they may have ADHD. The doctor should be aware of their concerns and refer them to an examination.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult for adults. The NHS is unable to meet the demand for ADHD assessments. This has lead to numerous short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always accurate and could lead to a mistaken diagnosis.
It is crucial to consult a psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD in the event of an assessment. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the knowledge, skills and experience to diagnose. If you're unsure whom to ask, consult your local mental health clinic for a list. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist which is usually the fastest method of getting an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking help for the condition. There is no cure for ADHD however there are treatment options that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicine, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Some people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can assess you for signs such as difficulty in concentrating, issues with working memory, sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They'll also want information about your childhood and your family history. They will then devise a personalised plan for you that may include psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both.
If you're referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England You have the legal right to choose which provider to see. You can use this Right to Choose service to choose a clinic that provides NHS assessments in your region. Alternatively, you can also use the services of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics have much shorter waiting times, and they also provide video calls.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney, have collective experience of more than 23 years in providing holistic psychiatric assessments as well as psychotherapeutic treatments for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues such as depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to continue. This is due to a combination of factors, including a growing awareness about the condition, a deficient NHS and a society where mental health issues are more prevalent. Many patients are aware of the damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay for getting diagnosed so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics brought up concerns about businesses that exploit 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 major issue and is something that must be addressed by the government.
Currently, the NHS allows adults to choose the psychiatrist they want to see to schedule a diagnostic appointment. This option is usually restricted to specific NHS health regions or to GPs with contracts with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and not able to provide full-service for people suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have risen in popularity, as they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
While some of these private companies are good at what they do however, some aren't as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis itself and there is a chance that this can lead to patients who are overly concerned about their symptoms. This won't improve their lives and will cost money that could be spent on other treatments like anxiety or depression.
In contrast, some NHS services are exceptional and provide a professional, comprehensive service to people suffering from ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and care. However, these services are struggling with the demands of an growing patient population, and they are unlikely to change unless the government makes better investments in mental health services.
Insurance
A private ADHD evaluation can be costly but it can be worth it if in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis is crucial for your quality of life and can help you improve many areas of your life such as work and relationships. Your insurance provider must be informed of any diagnosis in order to determine the best level of protection for you.
Review your policy's terms and conditions to determine if it covers ADHD tests. 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 pay for the here examination, while others will. It is crucial to study the terms and conditions carefully to understand what they cover.
GPs may refuse to recommend patients for an ADHD evaluation for different reasons however this isn't always justified. If your GP will not help, find another. If your GP won't sign a shared care contract with you for medication, you may want to get another opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are several online ADHD tests available however they could be inaccurate.