ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular as wait times are at an all-time high. Patients in England with a GP can opt to be referred privately using their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to be diagnosed and assessed within months, compared to waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A growing number of people are seeking an assessment for ADHD. In the UK, it is estimated that more than one million adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD. The wait times for NHS assessments have risen significantly. In certain regions, it could take up to seven years for an appointment to be available. Famous people, like Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas, have also spoken out about their experiences with the condition. However many people in need of a diagnosis are having to seek out help privately.
In a few instances patients have been informed that they must wait for up to 18 months before receiving the prescription of 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 the reason, with services swamped by referrals. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private firms, such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in lengthy waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over how private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation included an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics, all of which diagnosed him with the condition. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are rushing through tests and prescribing dangerous drugs without providing proper guidance about possible side 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 currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The increased awareness of the condition and the increasing number of people seeking for a diagnosis are to blame. The demand has even surpassed the capacity of NHS services and some areas are unable to provide an assessment at all. For those fortunate enough to get an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for a long time before they can get treatment.
There are many ways to cut down the time required to wait for ADHD diagnoses. First, they must talk to their GP to discuss the reasons they think they might have ADHD. Their GP should be concerned and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be a bit difficult. The NHS is unable to meet the demand for ADHD tests. This has led to many short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always reliable and could lead to an incorrect diagnosis.
It is important to consult a psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD in the event of a diagnosis. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to diagnose ADHD. If you're unsure who to contact, ask your local mental health service for the list. You can request your GP for a referral to a specialist. This is the quickest method to get an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more commonplace, and many people seek assistance. There is no cure for the disorder however there are treatment options that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle modifications. Certain people also take supplements to help reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms, which could include difficulties 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 devise an individual plan for you, which could include psychotherapy, medication, or the combination of both.
If you're recommended an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England You have a legal right choose the clinic you want to visit. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose a clinic in your area that offers NHS assessments. You can also avail the services of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics have much shorter waiting times and offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney, have combined experience of more than 23 years providing holistic psychiatric assessments and psychotherapeutic treatments for adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) alongside other presenting issues like anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD tests is increasing and is set to continue. This is due to a combination of factors, including a growing awareness about the condition, a deficient NHS and a world where mental health issues are more common. Many sufferers are aware of the damage that untreated ADHD could do to their career and relationships and are willing to pay to be diagnosed in order to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics brought up concerns about businesses that exploit vulnerable patients. The BBC Panorama documentary exposed that some private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds for mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious problem that the government needs to address.
Adults can currently choose the psychiatrist they would like to visit to make an appointment. This choice is usually limited to a few NHS health regions or doctors who have contracts with these providers. As a result, GPs are often overburdened with this work and may not be able provide a full range of services to adults with ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity, as they are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
While some of these private companies perform well but others aren't as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which can lead patients to become obsessed with their symptoms. This will not allow them to live better lives and could cause a loss of money that could be spent on other services, such as those for anxiety or depression.
However, certain NHS services are exceptional and provide a high-quality and comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is nationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. However, 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 improves investment in mental health care.
Insurance
It's expensive to have a private ADHD assessment but it's well worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis is crucial for your well-being and can assist you in improving many areas of your life, including work and relationships. It is important to inform your insurance provider check here of any medical condition so that they can advise you on the appropriate level of coverage 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. Certain companies do not have to pay the assessment fee, while others will. It is important to read the terms and conditions carefully to find out what they cover.
GPs might not be able to refer patients for an ADHD evaluation for various reasons, but this is not always the case. If your GP will not help you, try another. If your doctor won't sign a shared-care contract with you, you may seek a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are many online ADHD tests available, but they can be incorrect.