ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for services at an all-time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. Patients who have a GP in England have the option of using their "Right to Choice" and request to be referred to a private provider.
This allows them to get assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A growing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that more than one million adults have undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are rising. In some areas it can take up seven years to secure an appointment for an assessment. Famous people, like Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas, have also spoken out about their experiences with the condition. However, many adults with a diagnosis are forced to seek out help privately.
In some instances patients were told they would need to wait 18 months to get the prescription for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of personnel in the public health system. The problem is especially severe in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with the demand. The absence of a top-down strategy to treat ADHD is the reason as services are overwhelmed by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing adult ADHD assessment to private companies such as Psychiatry UK. The result is long waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about the method by which private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation was conducted by an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics, and all of them diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through tests and prescribe powerful drugs without providing proper advice about the adverse effects. Despite these allegations however, the BBC report has been criticized for its inability to pay attention to the larger issues relating to the provision ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. This is a result of increased awareness and a growing number of patients seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and some areas aren't able to provide an assessment. The lucky ones to receive an assessment from the NHS are faced with long waits 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 send them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be difficult. There is a lot of demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is struggling to meet it. This has led to numerous alternatives, from online assessments to private clinics. These aren't always reliable and can lead to incorrect diagnosis.
When seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is essential to seek out a psychiatrist that is specialized in this type of condition. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the skills, knowledge and experience required to recognize ADHD. If you're unsure of who to contact ask your local mental health service for a list of approved providers. You can ask your GP for a referral to an expert. This is the most efficient method to get an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many people are seeking assistance for the disorder. While it is not possible to cure the condition but there are a number of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication and psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. Additionally, some people are taking supplements to help reduce the symptoms.
A psychiatrist with a specialization in ADHD can help you find the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can evaluate you for symptoms such as difficulty in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleeping habits and emotional dysregulation. They'll also want information about your childhood and your family history. They will then create an individualized plan for you that may include psychotherapy, medication or the combination of both.
You have a right to choose in the event that your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to select the clinic in your area that offers NHS assessments. You can also use a private clinic to do NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and offer shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have combined experience of more than 23 years of providing holistic psychiatric assessments and psychotherapeutic interventions for 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. This is partly due to increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. In addition, a lot of patients can see the damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their lives and relationships and are willing to pay for a diagnosis so that they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics caused concern about the way in which companies exploit 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 major issue, and it is something that must be addressed by the government.
Presently, adults can select the psychiatrist they would like to see to make an appointment. This option is typically restricted to a few NHS health regions, or to GPs with agreements with these providers. The GPs are often overwhelmed and unable to provide a complete service for people suffering from ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are generally cheaper than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are great however, others aren't as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which could lead patients to become obsessed about their symptoms. This won't help them to live better lives, and it will also cause a loss of money that could be spent on other services, like those for anxiety or depression.
However, certain NHS services are exceptional and offer a professional and comprehensive service for adults suffering from ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is nationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and care. Even these services are having to cope with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population.
Insurance
It's costly to get an individual ADHD assessment however 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, including your relationships at work and in other areas. It is important to inform your insurance provider of any medical condition so that they can help you determine the right level of cover for you.
Check 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 cover the exam, but others will. It is important to study the terms and conditions carefully to fully understand what they cover.
GPs can refuse to refer a patient to an ADHD evaluation for click here a number of reasons. However, this is not always the case. If your GP will not help you, try another. If your doctor won't sign a shared-care agreement with you, you can get a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments available, but these can be incorrect.