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. Patients in England with a GP can opt to be referred privately applying for a 'Right of choice'.
This allows them to be diagnosed and assessed within a matter of months, as opposed to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
A growing number of people seek a diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that more than a million adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are rising. In some areas, it can take up to seven years to make an appointment for an assessment. Some famous people have been vocal about the condition, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However many adults who require an assessment are forced to seek assistance privately.
In some cases, patients were told they would need wait for 18 months before they could be given an order for ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is at fault. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to keep up with demand. A lack of a top-down strategy to treat ADHD is the cause the issue, as services are swamped by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing adult ADHD assessment to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate on the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. A journalist undercover visited three private clinics and was diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribe powerful medications without providing adequate advice about adverse effects. However, the BBC's report has been criticised for not focusing on the wider issues surrounding the treatment of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. This is a result of increasing awareness and a rising number of patients seeking a diagnosis for the condition. private adult adhd assessment uk for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and some regions are not able to provide an assessment. For those fortunate enough to get an assessment through the NHS will have long waits before they can receive treatment.
There are a variety of methods to speed up the waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. First, they must talk to their GP to explain why they think they might have ADHD. The doctor should be concerned and send them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrating for adults. The NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for ADHD assessments. This has led to numerous ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. These are not always accurate and can lead to a incorrect diagnosis.
It is important to consult a psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD for an assessment. A general practitioner or a psychologist may not possess the skills, knowledge and experience required to recognize ADHD. If you're unsure of who to contact, check with the local mental health services for a list of approved providers. You can request your GP for a referral to a specialist. This is the quickest way to receive an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and a lot of people are seeking help for the condition. There is no cure for ADHD however there are treatment options that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Some people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms, which could include difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, poor sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood, and your family history. They will then make a plan specific to you. This could include medication or psychotherapy.
If you are referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England You have a legal right choose which provider to see. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose an area-specific clinic that provides NHS assessments. You can also make use of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times and also offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney, have combined experience of more than 23 years in providing holistic psychiatric assessment and psychotherapeutic interventions to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in addition to other problems like anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing and the trend is set to continue. This is due to a variety of factors, such as increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and a world where mental health issues are more frequent. Many patients are aware of the damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay to get diagnosed to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which focused on the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised the issue that some businesses are exploitation of vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama revealed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds to receive mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue that the government must tackle.
Currently, adults can choose which doctor they wish to consult for an appointment. This option is typically restricted to certain NHS health regions, or to doctors who have contracts with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and are unable to provide a complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have increased in popularity, as they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
While some of these private companies are good at what they do however, some aren't as reliable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which could lead patients to become obsessed about their symptoms. This won't improve their lives and will cost money that could have been spent on other treatments such as anxiety or depression.
However, certain NHS services are exceptional and offer a professional and comprehensive service for adults suffering from ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these services are struggling with the demand of a rapidly growing patient population.
Insurance
It's expensive to get a private ADHD assessment but it's well worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis can boost your living quality and help you in many areas, including your work and relationships. Your insurance provider should be informed of any diagnosis to determine the best amount of protection for you.
If you are a member of an insurance policy for private health it is important to review its terms and 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. Some companies won't pay the assessment fee, while others will. It is crucial to review the terms and conditions carefully to fully understand what they cover.
GPs might not be able to refer patients for an ADHD evaluation for different reasons, but this is not always the case. If your GP is unwilling to help then find a different. If your GP won't sign a shared care agreement with you to prescribe medication, it is possible to seek an additional opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are also several online ADHD assessments available, but these can be misleading.