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 avail their "Right to Choose" and request to be sent to a private company.
This enables them to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
An increasing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that over one million adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and the waiting times for NHS assessments are increasing. In certain areas, it could take up to seven years to make an appointment for an assessment. Some high-profile individuals have expressed their opinions about the condition, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However many people who require a diagnosis are forced to seek out help privately.
In a few instances patients have been told that they will have to wait for up to 18 months for the prescription of ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is the reason. The problem is particularly acute in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with demand. Referrals result from the absence of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private providers like Psychiatry UK, resulting in long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate over the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. An undercover journalist visited three private clinics and was found to be diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC has claimed that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without giving proper advice about possible side effects. Despite these claims the BBC's report has been criticized for not focusing on the wider issues that surround the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The increasing 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 and some areas are not able to offer an assessment in any way. Those who are fortunate enough to be able to get an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for a long time before they can receive treatment.
There are many ways to reduce the waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. First, they should speak to their GP to explain the reason they think they might be suffering from ADHD. The doctor should be aware of their concerns and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of being diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult for adults. The NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for ADHD tests. This has led to numerous shortcuts, ranging from private clinics to online assessments. These aren't always reliable and could lead to a misdiagnosis.
It is essential to speak with an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD for an diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist may not possess the knowledge, skills and experience required to recognize ADHD. If you're not sure who to call, you can ask your local mental health service for the list. You can ask your GP for the referral to a specialist. This is the fastest method of receiving an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and a lot of people are seeking assistance for the condition. While it is not possible to completely cure the condition but there are a number of treatments that can reduce symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicines as well as psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Certain people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist with a specialization in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms, which could include difficulties in concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood and your family history. Then, they'll create a plan that is specifically tailored to your needs. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
If you are referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England, you have a legal right to select the right provider. You can utilize this Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your area. You can also use the services of private clinics that offer NHS assessments. These clinics offer video calls and shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists from 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 (ADHD) along with other issues that present like anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD tests is increasing and the trend is set to continue. It is due to increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and a world in which mental health issues are becoming increasingly common. Many sufferers are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay for getting diagnosed in order to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics raised concerns about companies exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary from BBC Panorama revealed that private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious problem that the government needs to address.
Adults can currently choose which doctor they wish to visit to make an appointment. However the choice is typically limited to specific NHS health regions and to GPs with contracts with these providers. In the end, doctors are often overwhelmed by this task and may not be able provide a complete service to adults suffering from ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are typically cheaper than NHS appointments.
While private adhd assessments of these private companies perform well however, some aren't as reliable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis itself, and there is a chance that this will result in patients who are too concerned about their symptoms. This won't improve their lives, and could cost money that could have been used for other services such as anxiety or depression.
Some NHS services however are exceptional and offer a professional and comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a well-known center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these services are having to cope with the demands of increasing numbers of patients.
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 can improve your living conditions and help you in many areas, including your work and relationships. Your insurance provider should be informed of any diagnosis in order to determine the best amount of protection for you.
Review your policy's terms and conditions to determine if it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health, all have different policies. Some will not cover the exam, but others will. It is important to review the terms and conditions attentively to understand what they cover.
GPs might not be able to refer patients for an ADHD assessment due to different reasons but this isn't always a valid reason. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, then try finding a different one. If your GP will not sign a shared-care agreement with you regarding medication, you may want to get a second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are many online ADHD tests to choose from however they could be incorrect.