ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for service at an all-time high private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. Anyone who is registered in England with a GP can opt to be referred privately by applying for a 'Right of choice'.
This allows them to be diagnosed and assessed in a matter of months, which is a far cry from waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
An increasing number of people are seeking to diagnose ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that more than one million adults are not diagnosed with ADHD. The wait times for NHS assessments have risen significantly. In some regions, it could take as long as seven years for an appointment to be available. Some high-profile individuals have been vocal about the condition, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. Many adults who need an assessment must seek out help privately.
In some cases patients have been told that they have to wait for up to 18 months before receiving the prescription of ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is to blame. This is especially true in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to keep up with the demand. The absence of a top-down approach to ADHD is to blame as services are overwhelmed by referrals. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private companies, such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in lengthy waiting periods for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. An undercover journalist toured three private clinics and was diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics speed through assessments and prescribe powerful medication without offering proper advice on the adverse effects. Despite these claims the BBC's report has come under fire for not focusing on the larger issues relating to 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 increasing number of people who seek an assessment are the reason. The demand has even surpassed the capacity of NHS services, with some areas not able to offer an assessment at all. For those fortunate enough to get an assessment through the NHS will have long waits before they can receive treatment.
There are a few ways that people can reduce the time they wait to receive an ADHD diagnosis. First, they should speak to their GP to discuss the reasons they think they might have ADHD. Their doctor must take their concerns seriously and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a snooze for adults. The NHS is unable to keep up with the demand for ADHD tests. This has lead to numerous shortcuts, ranging from private clinics to online assessments. These aren't always reliable and can lead to a incorrect diagnosis.
If you're seeking a diagnosis for ADHD it is essential to find an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this type of condition. A general practitioner or a psychologist may not possess the knowledge, skills and expertise required to diagnose ADHD. If you're not sure who to contact, ask your local mental health center for a list. You can also request your GP to refer you to a specialist which is usually the fastest method of getting an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more common, and many people seek help. There is no cure for ADHD however there are treatment options which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicine, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes. In addition, some people are also taking supplements to reduce the symptoms.
A specialist psychiatrist in ADHD can help you find the best treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms, which could include difficulties in concentrating, problems with 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, which could include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.
You have a legal choice in the event that your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose a clinic in your area that provides NHS assessments. You can also make use of private clinics that offer NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times and also offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of combined experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric assessments for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues such as anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing, and this trend is expected to continue. This is due to a combination of factors, including a growing awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and a world where mental health issues are becoming more prevalent. Many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD could do to their careers and relationships and are willing to read more pay to be diagnosed in order to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics raised concerns about companies exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama exposed that some private clinics charge people thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious problem that the government must address.
Presently, adults can select which psychiatrist they want to consult to make an appointment. However this option is usually limited to specific NHS health regions and to GPs who have agreements with these providers. As a result, GPs are often overwhelmed with this task and may not be able provide a full range of services to adults suffering from ADHD. This has led to a growth in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
While some of these private companies do a good job however, some aren't as dependable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis itself, and there is a danger that this can lead to patients who are overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not improve their lives and cause a loss of money that could be spent on other treatments such as depression or anxiety.
Certain NHS services however, are exemplary, and offer a professional, comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a nationally acclaimed center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. However, even these services are struggling to cope with the demands of a rapidly expanding patient population. they are unlikely to change unless the government improves investment in mental health care.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly, but it may be worth it if in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis can boost your quality of living and help you in many areas, including your relationships at work and in other areas. You must inform your insurance provider of any diagnosis so that they can help you determine the best level of protection for you.
Check your policy's terms and conditions to determine if the policy covers ADHD assessments. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health, all have different policies. Certain companies do not have to pay the assessment fee, while others will. It is essential to review the terms and conditions carefully to know what they cover.
GPs might not be able to send patients to an ADHD assessment for different reasons however this isn't always justified. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, then try to find another one. If your GP will not sign a shared-care agreement with you to prescribe medication, you may want to seek another opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a variety of online ADHD tests that are available, but they can be incorrect.