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 increasingly popular. Anyone who is registered in England with a GP can choose to have their ADHD assessed 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 times
An increasing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that over one million adults have undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are soaring. In some areas it can take up to seven years to get an appointment for an assessment. A few prominent people have been vocal about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. Many adults who need medical attention must seek it privately.
In a few instances patients were told they would need wait 18 months to be given an order for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of staff in the public health system. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with demand. The absence of a top-down strategy to treat ADHD is to blame, with services swamped by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private companies like Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about how private clinics diagnosis ADHD. An undercover journalist visited three private clinics and was deemed with ADHD by all. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are rushing through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without giving proper advice about the possible side 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 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 an assessment are the reason. The demand has surpassed the capacity of NHS services and some areas are being unable to offer an assessment in any way. If you are fortunate enough to receive an assessment from the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are a variety of ways to reduce the time it takes to wait to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain why they think they may have the condition. Your GP should be concerned and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult for adults. The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments. This has led to many ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. They aren't always accurate and could lead to a incorrect diagnosis.
It is crucial to consult an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD for an diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the necessary knowledge of skills, experience and expertise to diagnose. If you are unsure who to contact you can check with your local mental health service for an approved list of providers. You can also request your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is typically the quickest way to get an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more common, and a lot of people seek assistance. While it isn't possible to cure the disorder, there are a number of treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes. Certain people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD can help you find the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess you for symptoms such as difficulties in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleeping habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask for details about your childhood as well as your family history. They will then devise an individual plan for you that may include psychotherapy, medication or an amalgamation of both.
You have a right to choose in the event that your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose a clinic in your area that provides NHS assessments. Alternatively, you can also make use of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics offer video calls and offer shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have together more than 23 years of providing holistic psychiatric assessments as well as psychotherapeutic interventions for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as other issues such uk adhd assessment as anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD tests is increasing and is expected to continue. It is due to the increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. Many sufferers are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their career and relationships and are willing to pay to get diagnosed in order to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics brought up concerns about businesses that exploit vulnerable patients. The documentary revealed that certain private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for subpar assessment services, and poor aftercare. This is a serious concern, and it is something that must be addressed by the government.
Adults can currently choose which doctor they wish to visit to make an appointment. However this option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions and doctors who have agreements with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and not able to provide full-service for people suffering from ADHD. This has led to a growth in private ADHD assessment services, which are generally cheaper than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are good However, some aren't as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which could cause patients to become obsessed with their symptoms. This will not help their lives and cause a loss of money that could be used for other services such as depression or anxiety.
Some NHS services however are exceptional and offer a professional, complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is nationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and care. Even these services are struggling with the demand of an ever-growing patient population.
Insurance
It's expensive to undergo an individual ADHD assessment but it's well worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis can improve your living conditions and aid you in a variety of areas including your relationships at work and in other areas. Your insurance provider should be aware of any diagnosis to determine the most appropriate level of protection for you.
Check your policy's terms and conditions to determine if it covers ADHD tests. The four major private health insurance providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health, all have different policies. Some will not cover the exam, but others will. You should go over the terms and conditions carefully to learn what they cover.
Doctors may refuse to refer a patient to an ADHD evaluation for a number of reasons. However this isn't always the situation. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, try finding a different one. If your GP won't sign a shared care agreement with you regarding 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.