ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for services at an all time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Anyone who is registered with a GP in England can use their "Right to Choice" and opt to be sent to a private company.
This enables them to be assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
A increasing number of people seek a diagnosis of ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that nearly one million adults are not diagnosed with ADHD. The wait times for NHS assessments have increased dramatically. In some areas it can take up to seven years to make an appointment for an assessment. Famous people, like Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken about their experiences with the condition. Many adults who need medical attention must seek it privately.
In some cases patients were told that they would have to wait 18 months to receive the prescription for ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is to blame. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with the demand. Referrals are the result of the lack of a top-down approach for ADHD. This has resulted in the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is a long wait for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over how private clinics diagnose ADHD. A journalist undercover visited three private clinics and was diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC has claimed that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without giving proper advice about the possible side effects. Despite these allegations however, the BBC report has been criticized as failing to pay attention to the bigger issues surrounding the provision of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. The growing awareness of the condition and the growing number of people seeking a diagnosis are to blame. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services in some areas, and they are unable to provide an assessment at all. The lucky ones to get an assessment on the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are several ways to cut down the time it takes to receive an ADHD diagnoses. First, they must talk to their GP to explain the reason they think they might be suffering from ADHD. Their GP should take their concerns seriously and refer them to an examination.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be a bit difficult. The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments. This has led to numerous ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. These aren't always accurate and could lead to an incorrect diagnosis.
If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is crucial to find a psychiatrist who specialises in this condition. A general practitioner or a psychologist may not possess the skills, knowledge and experience required to recognize ADHD. If you're not sure who to call ask your local mental health service for a list of approved providers. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist which is usually the fastest way to get an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking help for the disorder. Although it isn't possible to cure the disorder but there are a number of treatments that can reduce symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle adjustments. Certain people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can help you find the best treatment to treat your symptoms. They can assess you for signs such as difficulty in concentrating, issues with working memory, sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood, as well as your family history. They will then work out an individualized plan for you which could include medication, psychotherapy or an amalgamation of both.
If you're recommended an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England you have a legal right choose which provider to see. You can use the Right to Choose service to select a clinic that offers NHS assessments in your location. Alternately, you can avail the services of private clinics that offer NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times and also offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) alongside other presenting issues such as anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is increasing and is expected to continue. It is partly down to increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming more widespread. Many patients are aware of the damage that untreated ADHD could cause to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay for getting diagnosed to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which looked at the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised the issue that some companies are exploiting 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.
The NHS allows adults to choose the psychiatrist they want to see for a diagnosis appointment. This option is typically restricted to a few NHS health regions, or to GPs with contracts with these providers. This means that doctors are often overwhelmed by this work and might not be able to provide a full range of services to adults with ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are typically cheaper than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are great, but others are not as dependable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis itself, and there is a danger that this will result in patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. This will not help them live better lives, and it will also waste money that could be used on other services, such as those for anxiety or depression.
However, some NHS services are exceptional and offer a professional complete service to people suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a well-known center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. These services are also struggling with the demand of an ever-growing patient population.
Insurance
A private ADHD evaluation can be costly, but it may be worth it if you're in a position to afford it. The diagnosis is essential for your well-being and can help you improve the quality of your life in many areas, including work and relationships. You should inform your insurance company of any medical condition so that they can advise you on the right level of cover for you.
If you have an insurance policy for private health it is important to review the terms and conditions of the policy 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 exam, but others will. You should go over the terms and conditions carefully to find out what they cover.
Doctors may refuse to refer a patient to an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons. However this isn't always the case. If your GP is unable to assist you, try another. If your doctor won't agree to a shared-care arrangement with you, read more you may have a second opinion in an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments that are available, but these can be incorrect.