ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for services at an all-time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. Those registered in England with a GP can choose to be referred privately by applying for a 'Right of choice'.
This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, rather than waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
An increasing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that more than one million adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are soaring. In certain regions, it could take up to seven years for an appointment to become available. High-profile individuals, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas, have also spoken out about their experiences with the condition. Many adults who need an assessment must seek out help privately.
In some cases patients have been informed that they have to wait up to 18 months before receiving an appointment for ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is at fault. The problem is particularly acute in Greater Manchester where service providers are struggling to meet the demand. Referrals result from the lack of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD evaluation to private providers like Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation involved an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics, and all of them diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are rushing through tests and prescribing dangerous drugs without providing proper guidance about the possible side effects. Despite these allegations however, the BBC report has been criticized for its inability to pay attention to the larger issues surrounding the provision 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 seeking an assessment are the reason. The demand has surpassed the capacity of NHS services and some areas are being unable to offer an assessment at all. If you are lucky enough to receive an assessment through the NHS will have long waits before they can receive treatment.
There are many ways to cut down the waiting time for an ADHD diagnoses. First, they should talk to their GP to explain the reason they believe they have ADHD. The doctor should be concerned and send them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of being diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult for adults. There is a huge demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is struggling to meet it. This has led to many shortcuts, ranging from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always accurate and could lead to a incorrect diagnosis.
If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is essential to consult an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this condition. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the skills, knowledge and expertise required to diagnose ADHD. If you're unsure who to call, you can ask your local mental health center for the list. You can request your GP for an appointment with a specialist. This is the fastest way to receive an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more and more commonplace, and many people seek assistance. There is no cure for ADHD but there are treatments which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicine psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Certain people also take supplements to help reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can help find the best treatment to treat your symptoms. They can assess you for symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, problems with working memory, sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask for details about your childhood and your family history. They will then develop a plan specifically tailored to your needs. This could include psychotherapy or medication.
You can make a legal decision if your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose the clinic in your area that offers NHS assessments. You can also use a private clinic to do NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and have shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have combined experience of more than 23 years providing holistic psychiatric assessments as well as psychotherapeutic treatments for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) along with other issues such as depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is on the rise and is expected to increase. This is partly 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 could do to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay for getting diagnosed in order to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which examined the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The BBC Panorama documentary revealed that private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds to receive poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious issue that the government needs to address.
Adults can currently choose which psychiatrist they want to visit to make an appointment. However, this option is often limited to specific NHS health regions and GPs who have agreements with these providers. This means that GPs are often overburdened with this task and may not be able to provide a full range of services to adults with ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are good however, others aren't as reliable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis, and there is a danger that this could lead to patients who are too concerned 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 exemplary and offer a professional and comprehensive service for people suffering from ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is internationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and care. However, these services are struggling with the demands of an growing patient population, and they are unlikely to change unless the government makes better investments in mental health services.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be expensive however it could be worth it if you're in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis is essential for your quality of life and can help you improve various aspects of your life including relationships and work. It is important to inform your insurance company of any diagnosis so that they can advise you on the right level of cover for you.
If you have an insurance policy for private health, you should check its terms and conditions to determine whether it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private health insurance providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, read more Bupa, and Vitality Health each have their own policies. Some companies will not pay the assessment fee while others will. You should review the terms and conditions attentively to learn what they cover.
GPs can refuse to refer a patient to an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons. However it isn't always the case. If your GP is unable to assist then find a different. If your GP won't sign a shared-care contract with you, you can seek a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are many online ADHD tests to choose from, but they can be inaccurate.