ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular as service wait times are at an all-time high. Those registered with a GP in England have the option of using their 'Right to Choose' and choose to be sent to a private company.
This enables them to be assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, rather than waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
A growing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. In the UK, it is estimated that more than one million adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD. Waiting times for NHS assessments have risen dramatically. In certain areas, it could take up to seven years to make an appointment for an assessment. Some famous people have expressed their opinions about the condition, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. Many adults who need a diagnosis must seek help privately.
In some instances, patients were told they would have wait for 18 months before they could get an order for ADHD medication. This is due to the shortage of staff in the public health system. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with the demand. The lack of a top-down strategy to treat ADHD is the cause, with services swamped by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private companies like Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation was conducted by an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics, and all of them diagnosed him with the condition. The BBC claims that these clinics speed through assessments and prescribe powerful drugs without providing proper advice about adverse effects. Despite these claims the BBC's report has been criticised for failing to focus on the larger issues relating to the treatment of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. The increasing awareness of the condition and the growing number of people who seek an assessment are the reason. The demand for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and certain regions are not able to provide an assessment. The lucky ones to be able to access an assessment through the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are several ways to reduce the time it takes to receive an ADHD diagnoses. First, they must talk to their GP to explain the reason they believe they may be suffering from ADHD. The doctor should be aware of their concerns and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the process can be difficult. There is a high demand for ADHD assessments, but the NHS is unable to meet the demand. This has led to many ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. They aren't always reliable and could lead to a misdiagnosis.
If you're seeking a diagnosis for ADHD it is crucial to find an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this type of condition. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to diagnose ADHD. If you are unsure who to call, check with 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 fastest method of receiving an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking help for the condition. There is no cure for ADHD but there are treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Some people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD can assist you in finding 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 will also inquire 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 are referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England, you have the legal right to select the right provider. You can use this Right to Choose service to choose a clinic that provides NHS assessments in your location. You can also avail the services of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times, and they also provide video calls.
The Psychiatrists of 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 disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting problems like 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 the fact that mental health issues are becoming more common. In addition, many patients can see the damage that untreated ADHD can do to their careers and relationships, and are prepared to pay for a diagnosis so that they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics brought up concerns about businesses that exploit vulnerable patients. The BBC Panorama documentary revealed that some private clinics charge people thousands of pounds for mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a major issue and something that needs to be addressed by the government.
Currently, private adhd assessment can choose the psychiatrist they would like to see to make an appointment. However this option is usually restricted to specific NHS health regions and GPs with contracts with these providers. GPs may be overworked and are unable to provide a complete service for adults with ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity since they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are great However, some aren't as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which could cause patients to become obsessed about their symptoms. This will not improve their lives, and could waste money that could be spent on other treatments such as anxiety or depression.
Some NHS services however, are exemplary, and offer a professional, complete 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 facilities are having to cope with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population.
Insurance
A private ADHD evaluation can be costly but it can be worth it if you're in a position to afford it. The diagnosis is crucial to your overall health and can assist you in improving the quality of your life in many areas, including work and relationships. It is important to inform your insurance company of any medical condition so that they can advise you on the best level of protection for you.
Examine your policy's terms & conditions to determine if 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 pay for the exam, but others will. You should read the terms and conditions attentively to learn what they cover.
GPs may not be able to refer a patient to an ADHD evaluation for a number of reasons. However this isn't always the case. If your GP will not help you, try another. If your GP will not sign a shared care contract with you for medication, you may want to get another opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments available, but they can be misleading.