ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With service wait times at an all-time high and the need for private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. 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 allows them to get assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A increasing number of people are seeking the diagnosis of ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that nearly one million adults are not diagnosed with ADHD. The wait times for NHS assessments have increased significantly. In some areas, it can take up to seven years for an assessment appointment to become available. Some high-profile individuals have been vocal about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However, many adults with a diagnosis are forced to seek out help privately.
In a few instances, patients have been told that they will have to wait up to 18 months before receiving a prescription of ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is the reason. The problem is particularly acute in Greater Manchester where service providers struggle to meet demand. Referrals are a result of the absence of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has resulted in the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private providers like Psychiatry UK. The result is long waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate on the way private clinics diagnosis ADHD. A journalist undercover visited three private clinics and was diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC has claimed that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribing powerful medications without offering proper advice about the possible side effects. Despite these allegations however, the BBC report has been criticized for its inability to focus its attention on the bigger issues surrounding the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. The increased awareness of the condition and the increasing number of people seeking an assessment are the reason. The demand for NHS services has surpassed their capacity, and certain areas aren't able to provide an assessment. Those who are fortunate enough to receive an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for a long time before they can get treatment.
There are a few ways to cut their waiting time to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to talk to their GP and explain why they think that they might have the condition. Your GP should be concerned and recommend an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the process can be frustrating. The NHS is unable to keep up with the demand for ADHD assessments. This has led to a variety of ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. These aren't always reliable and can lead to mistaken diagnosis.
If you're seeking a diagnosis for ADHD, it is important to find a psychiatrist who specialises in this type of condition. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to diagnose ADHD. If you're unsure whom to ask, consult your local mental health service for an alphabetical list. You may also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist which is usually the fastest method to receive an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more and more common, and a lot of people seek assistance. Although it isn't possible to completely cure the condition but there are a number of treatments that can reduce symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. In addition, some people are taking supplements to help reduce the symptoms.
A psychiatrist with a specialization in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms, which could include difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, poor sleeping habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood, and your family history. They will then work out an individualized plan for you, which could include medication, psychotherapy or the combination of both.
If you're referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England, you have the legal right to choose which provider to see. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose an area-specific clinic that offers NHS assessments. Alternately, you can avail the services of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists of 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 disorder (ADHD) in addition to other issues like depression and anxiety.
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 more common. In addition, a lot of sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can do to their relationships and careers, and are prepared to pay for a diagnosis so that they can get treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which focused on the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised the issue that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary revealed that certain private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for mediocre assessment services, and poor aftercare. This is a major issue and something that must be addressed by the government.
Currently, the NHS allows adults to select the psychiatrist they want to see for a diagnostic appointment. This option is typically restricted to certain NHS health regions or doctors who have agreements with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and not able to provide a complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. This has led to a growth in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
While some of these private services are good at what they do however, some aren't as dependable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis, 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 be spent on other treatments like anxiety or depression.
However, certain NHS services are exemplary and offer a professional, comprehensive service to people suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a nationally acclaimed center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. However, even these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of an growing patient population, and they're not likely to improve unless the government increases investment in mental health services.
Insurance
It's costly to get an in-depth ADHD assessment, but it's worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis can enhance your living quality and aid you in a variety of areas including your relationships at work and in other areas. Your insurance provider should be informed of any diagnosis in order to determine the best level of coverage you need.
If you are a member of an insurance policy for private health be sure to 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 will not cover the exam, but others will. It is crucial to review the terms and conditions carefully to know how much does it cost for a private adhd assessment what they cover.
Doctors may not recommend patients for an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons however this isn't always the case. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, look for a different one. If your GP will not sign a shared care agreement with you for medication, you may want to get a second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a variety of online ADHD tests available however they could be misleading.