ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for services at an all time high and the need for private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. Patients in England with a GP can choose to be referred privately making use of their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed within a matter of months, as opposed to waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A growing number of people seek the diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that more than one million adults have undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and wait times for NHS assessments are rising. In some areas it can take up to seven years to get an appointment for an assessment. Some famous people have spoken out about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. Many adults who require medical attention must seek it privately.
In some cases, patients have been told that they have to wait for up to 18 months for a prescription of ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is to blame. The problem is especially acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with the demands. A lack of a top-down approach to ADHD is the cause, with services swamped by referrals. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private firms, such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in long waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. An undercover journalist toured 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 medications without offering proper advice regarding possible adverse effects. Despite these claims, the BBC's report has been criticised for failing to focus on the wider issues surrounding the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of over 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The increased awareness of ADHD and the increasing number of people who seek an assessment are the reason. The demand has even surpassed the capacity of NHS services, with some areas not able to offer an assessment even. Those who are 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 several ways to reduce the time they wait to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to talk to their GP and explain why they believe they may be suffering from the condition. The doctor should take their concerns seriously and refer them to an examination.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a snooze for adults. There is a huge demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is unable to meet the demand. This has led to many shortcuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always reliable and can result in an inaccurate diagnosis.
It is essential to speak with a psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD for an diagnosis. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the skills, knowledge and experience required to recognize ADHD. If you're not sure which one to go to you can check with the local mental health services for a list of approved providers. You can ask your GP for a referral to a specialist. This is the most efficient method to get an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and many people are seeking assistance for the condition. While it isn't possible to cure the condition, there are a number of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication and psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Additionally, some people are taking supplements to treat the symptoms.
A psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD can help you find the best treatment to treat your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms, which could include difficulties in concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood, as well as your family history. They will then work out an individualized plan for you that may include psychotherapy, medication, or the combination of both.
You can make a legal decision if your GP suggests an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to select the clinic in your area that provides NHS assessments. You can also make use of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and have shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments to adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting problems like anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing and the trend is expected to continue. This is partly due to the increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming increasingly widespread. Many patients are aware of the damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay for getting diagnosed so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics brought up concerns about businesses that exploit vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama revealed that private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious problem that the government must tackle.
Currently, adults can choose which psychiatrist they want to consult for an appointment. However, this option is often limited to specific NHS health regions and GPs who have contracts with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and are unable to provide a complete service for adults with ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have increased in popularity because they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are great, but others are not as reliable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis itself and there is a risk that this will result in patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. This will not improve their lives, and could cost money that could have been spent on other services such as depression or anxiety.
Some NHS services however are exceptional and offer a professional, complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is internationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. These services are also in a struggle to meet the demands of increasing numbers of patients.
Insurance
It can be costly to undergo an in-depth ADHD assessment however it's worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis can boost your living quality and aid you in a variety of areas including your relationships at work and in other areas. Your insurance provider must be informed of any diagnosis in order to determine the best amount of coverage for you.
If you have an insurance policy for private health be sure to check 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. Certain companies do not have to pay the assessment fee, while others will. It is important to review the terms and conditions carefully to find out what they cover.
Doctors may not send patients to an ADHD assessment for various reasons, but this is not always justified. If your GP does not want to assist you, then try finding a different one. If your GP won't sign a shared here care contract with you for medication, you can try to get an additional opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a variety of online ADHD tests to choose from, but they can be incorrect.