ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With service wait times at an all time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Those registered with a GP in England can use their "Right to Choice" and choose to be sent to a private company.
This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed within months, compared to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
A growing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. In the UK, it is estimated that nearly one million adults are undiagnosed with ADHD. The wait times for NHS assessments have increased significantly. In certain regions, it could take as long as seven years for an assessment appointment to become available. High-profile individuals, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken about their experiences with the disease. However, many adults with a diagnosis are forced to seek out help privately.
In some instances patients were told that they would need wait for 18 months before they could get the prescription for ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is to blame. This is especially true in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to keep up with the demand. The absence of a top-down strategy for ADHD is the reason as services are overwhelmed by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private companies such as Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over how private clinics diagnose ADHD. A journalist undercover visited three private clinics and was diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are speeding through tests and prescribing dangerous drugs without providing proper guidance about possible side effects. However the BBC's report has been criticized for not focusing on the wider issues that surround the provision of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. The increased awareness of ADHD and the increasing number of people who seek for a diagnosis are to blame. The demand has surpassed the capacity of NHS services and some areas are being unable to offer an assessment in any way. For those fortunate enough to be able to get an assessment through the NHS will have long waits before they are able to receive treatment.
There are a few ways to reduce the time it takes to wait for an ADHD diagnosis. First, they should speak to their GP to explain why they believe they be suffering from ADHD. Their GP should be aware of their concerns and refer them for an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the process can be difficult. The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD tests. This has led to numerous ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. These aren't always reliable and can lead to mistaken diagnosis.
If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD, it is important to find an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this type of condition. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the knowledge of skills, experience and expertise to diagnose. If you're not sure whom to ask, consult your local mental health clinic for an alphabetical 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 an increasing awareness of ADHD and many people are seeking help for the disorder. There is no cure for ADHD however there are treatment options that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Some people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
A specialist psychiatrist in ADHD can help you find the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess you for symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, problems with working memory, poor sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood and your family history. Then, they will make a plan tailored to you. This may include psychotherapy or medication.
If you're referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England, you have a legal right choose which provider to see. You can utilize this Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your area. Alternatively, you can also use the services of private clinics that offer NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and have shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have a combined experience of more than 23 years of providing holistic psychiatric assessments as well as psychotherapeutic interventions for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues 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. This is due to a mix of factors, including increased awareness of the condition, a lack of funding for the NHS and a world where mental health issues are becoming more frequent. In addition, many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their careers and relationships and are willing to be willing to pay for a diagnosis in order that they can get treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics raised concerns about companies exploiting vulnerable patients. The program revealed that some private clinics are charging people thousands of pounds for poor assessment services and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious issue that the government needs to address.
Currently, the NHS allows adults to select which psychiatrist to see for a diagnostic appointment. This option is typically restricted to a few NHS health regions, or to doctors who have contracts with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and unable to provide a full service for adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have risen in popularity since they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are good however, others aren't as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which could cause patients to become overly concerned with their symptoms. This will not help their lives and waste money that could have been used for other services such as depression or anxiety.
However, some NHS services are excellent and offer a professional, comprehensive service to adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a well-known center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these facilities are having to cope with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly however it could be worth it if you're in a position to afford it. The diagnosis can boost your living conditions and help you in many areas such as your relationships at work and in other areas. You must inform your insurance provider of any medical condition so that they can help you determine the right level of cover for you.
Check your policy's terms and conditions to determine if the policy covers ADHD assessments. The four major private health insurance providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some will not pay for the exam, but others will. It is essential to read the terms and condition carefully to know what they cover.
Doctors may refuse to refer a patient private adhd assessment cost to an ADHD evaluation due to a variety of reasons. However, this is not always the situation. If your GP does not want to help you, look for a different one. If your GP won't sign a shared-care agreement with you for medication, you can try to get another opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments that are available, but they could be incorrect.