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. Those registered in England with a GP can opt to have their ADHD assessed privately applying for a 'Right of choice'.
This allows them to get assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A growing number of people are seeking to diagnose ADHD. It is estimated that more than a million adults have undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are soaring. In some regions, it could take as long as seven years for an appointment to become available. 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 require medical attention must seek it privately.
In some instances, patients were told they'd have to wait 18 months to receive an order for ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is the reason. The problem is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with demand. Referrals result from the lack of a top-down strategy for ADHD. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private providers such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in long wait periods for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate over the way 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 has claimed that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without providing proper guidance about possible side effects. However, the BBC's report has been criticized for failing to focus on the wider issues surrounding the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. This is due to increasing awareness and a rising number of people seeking to diagnose the condition. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services, with some areas not able to offer an assessment at all. If you are lucky enough to get an assessment through the NHS will have long waits before they can get treatment.
There are several ways to cut down the time required to wait for ADHD diagnoses. The first is to speak to their GP and explain the reason they think they may be suffering from the disorder. Your GP should be concerned and send them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it can be difficult. The NHS is unable to meet the demand for ADHD tests. This has lead to numerous short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always accurate and can lead to incorrect diagnosis.
It is important to consult a psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD for an diagnosis. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the knowledge, skills and expertise required to diagnose ADHD. If you're unsure who to contact, ask your local mental health clinic for the list. You may also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is typically the quickest way to get an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and many people are seeking help for the condition. There is no cure for ADHD however there are treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicines as well as psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. private adhd assessments take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can help you find the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms, which could include difficulties in concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also request details about your childhood and your family history. They will then create an individual plan for you, which could include medication, psychotherapy or the combination of both.
If you're recommended an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England You have a legal right select the right provider. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose an area-specific clinic that offers NHS assessments. You can also choose a private clinic to do NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times, and they also provide video calls.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric evaluations 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 increasing and is set to continue. It is partly down to the increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming increasingly common. Additionally, many sufferers are aware of the harm 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, which focused on the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some businesses are exploitation of vulnerable patients. The program revealed that some private clinics are charging people thousands of pounds for mediocre assessment services and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue and is something that needs to be addressed by the government.
At present, the NHS allows adults to choose which psychiatrist to see for a diagnosis appointment. This choice is usually limited to certain NHS health regions, or to doctors who have agreements with these providers. This means that GPs are often overburdened with this work and may not be able offer a full service to adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have increased in popularity, as they are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
While some of these private services perform well, others are not as dependable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which can lead patients to become obsessed about their symptoms. This won't help them live better lives and could cause a loss of money that could be used on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
Certain NHS services on the other hand, are exemplary, and offer a professional and comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is internationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and care. Even these services are struggling with the demand of increasing numbers of patients.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly however it could be worth it if you're in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis is essential for your quality of life and can help you improve various aspects of your life including relationships and work. Your insurance provider must be informed of any diagnosis in order to determine the best level of protection for you.
If you have a private health insurance policy, you should check the terms and conditions of the policy to see whether it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some companies will not be required to pay the assessment cost, while others will. You should go over the terms and conditions attentively to find out what they cover.
GPs might not be able to send patients to an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons but this isn't always a valid reason. If your GP does not want to help you, try to find another one. If your GP isn't willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you, you can have a second opinion in an ADHD clinic. There are a variety of online ADHD tests that are available however they could be incorrect.