ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments have become increasingly popular since wait times are at an all-time high. Patients in England with a GP can opt to be referred privately by making use of their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to be diagnosed and assessed in a matter of months, which is a far cry from waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A growing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that over one million adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD. The waiting times for NHS assessments have risen significantly. In certain areas, it could take up to seven years to get an appointment for an assessment. Some high-profile individuals have spoken out about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However many adults with a diagnosis are having to seek out help privately.
In some instances patients were told they would have wait for 18 months before they could be given an order for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of staff in the public health system. The issue is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers are struggling to meet demand. The lack of a top-down approach to ADHD is to blame the issue, as services are swamped by referrals. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private providers like Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. An undercover journalist visited three private clinics and was deemed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribe powerful medications without providing proper advice about the adverse effects. However, the BBC's report has been criticized for not focusing on the larger issues relating to the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of over 10,000 adult ADHD patients. This is a result of increasing awareness and a rising number of people seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and certain areas are unable to offer an assessment. Those who are lucky enough to be able to access an assessment through the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are several ways to cut down the time it takes to receive an ADHD diagnosis. First, they should speak to their GP to explain why they believe they may have ADHD. The doctor should take their concerns seriously and refer them for an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a snooze for adults. There is a high demand for ADHD assessments, yet the NHS is struggling to meet the demand. This has led to a lot of shortcuts, from private clinics to online assessments. They aren't always reliable and can result in a misdiagnosis.
If you're seeking a diagnosis for ADHD it is crucial to find a psychiatrist that is specialized in this disorder. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to diagnose ADHD. If you are unsure which one to go to you can check with your local mental health service for the list of approved providers. You can request your GP for the referral to a specialist. This is the fastest method to get an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more and more common, and a lot of people seek help. There is no cure for the disorder however there are treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications and psychotherapy as well as lifestyle modifications. Some people also take supplements to help reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate you for symptoms such as difficulty in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleeping habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask for details about your childhood as well as your family history. Then, they will make a plan specific to you. This could include medication or psychotherapy.
If you're referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England, you have a legal right select the right provider. You can use the Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your location. You can also use the services of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics can make video calls and have shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney, have collective experience of more than 23 years in providing holistic psychiatric assessment and psychotherapeutic interventions to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), alongside other presenting issues like 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 partly due to increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. In addition, many sufferers can see the harm that untreated ADHD can do to their careers and relationships, and are prepared to be willing to pay for a diagnosis in order that they can get 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 charge patients thousands of pounds to receive poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a major issue, and it is something that needs to be addressed by the government.
At present, the NHS lets adults choose which psychiatrist to see to schedule a diagnostic appointment. However the choice is typically restricted to specific NHS health regions and to GPs with contracts with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and are unable to provide a complete service for adults with ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
While some of these private services do a good job, others are not as reliable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis, and there is a risk that this will result in patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. private adhd assessment adults will not help their lives, and could waste money that could have been spent on other treatments such as depression or anxiety.
Certain NHS services on the other hand, are exemplary, and offer a professional, complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a nationally acclaimed center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. But even these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population, and they're not likely to improve unless the government makes better investments in mental health services.
Insurance
It's costly to get an individual ADHD assessment but it's well worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis can improve your quality of living and assist you in a variety of areas, including your relationships and work. You should inform your insurance provider of any diagnosis so that they can assist you in determining the best level of protection for you.
If you have a private health insurance policy be sure to check the terms and conditions of the policy to determine whether it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health each have their own policies. Some will not pay for the examination, while others will. It is important to review the terms and conditions carefully to find out what they cover.
Doctors may not refer patients for an ADHD evaluation for different reasons but this isn't always a valid reason. If your GP will not help you, try another. If your GP won't sign a shared-care contract with you, you may have a second opinion in an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments, however they could be incorrect.