ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular as service wait times are at an all-time high. Patients who have a GP in England can avail their 'Right to Choose' and choose to be referred to a private provider.
This enables them to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A growing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that more than one million adults are undiagnosed with ADHD. The waiting times for NHS assessments have risen dramatically. In certain areas, it could take up to seven years to get 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. Many adults who need a diagnosis must seek help privately.
In some cases patients were told that they would have to wait 18 months to receive the prescription for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of staff in the public health system. The problem is especially acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with demand. The absence of a top-down strategy to treat ADHD is to blame as services are overwhelmed by referrals. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private companies like Psychiatry UK, resulting in long waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over how private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation included an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics. All of them diagnosed the patient with the condition. The BBC claims that these clinics speed through assessments and prescribe powerful medications without providing adequate advice about side effects. However the BBC's report has been criticised for not focusing on the wider issues that surround the provision of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has an unfinished business of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The increased awareness of ADHD and the increasing number of people who seek a diagnosis are to blame. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services and some areas are not able to offer an assessment at all. The lucky ones to be able to access an assessment through the NHS face long waits for treatment.
There are several ways to reduce the time required to wait for ADHD diagnosis. First, they should speak to their GP to explain why they believe they may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the process can be difficult. The NHS is unable to keep up with the demand for ADHD assessments. This has led to numerous short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always accurate and can lead to mistaken diagnosis.
If you're seeking a diagnosis for ADHD it is essential to consult a psychiatrist who specialises in this type of condition. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the knowledge, skills and experience to make a diagnosis. If you're unsure of which one to go to, check with the local mental health services for an approved list of providers. Recommended Looking at could also request your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is typically the quickest method of getting an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many people are seeking assistance for the condition. There is no cure for ADHD but there are treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicine, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes. In addition, some are taking supplements to treat the symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD can help you find the best treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms for difficulty concentrating, problems with working memory, sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood, and your family history. Then, they'll create a plan that is specifically tailored to your needs. This could include medication or psychotherapy.
You have a legal choice when your GP suggests an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose an area-specific clinic that provides NHS assessments. You can also use the services of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics can make video calls and have shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have a together more than 23 years providing holistic psychiatric assessment and psychotherapeutic treatments for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as other presenting issues like anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing, and this trend is set to continue. This is due to a mix of factors, including increased awareness about the condition, a underfunded NHS, and a world where mental health issues are becoming more common. Many sufferers are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD could do to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay to be diagnosed to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which focused on the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some businesses are exploitation of vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama revealed that private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds to receive mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious problem that the government must address.
Presently, adults can select the psychiatrist they would like to see for an appointment. This option is usually restricted to a few NHS health regions or doctors who have agreements with these providers. In the end, doctors are often overwhelmed by this task and may not be able to offer a full service to people suffering from ADHD. This has led to a growth in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are great however, others aren't as dependable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis, and there is a danger that this will result in patients who are too concerned about their symptoms. This won't help them to live better lives, and it will also waste money that could be spent on other services, such as those for depression or anxiety.
Some NHS services, on the other hand are exceptional and offer a professional, complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is internationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. These services are also having to cope with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population.
Insurance
A private ADHD evaluation can be costly, but it may be worth it if you're in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis can boost your quality of living and help you in many areas including your relationships at work and in other areas. It is important to inform your insurance provider of any medical condition so that they can advise you on the best level of protection for you.
Check your policy's 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. You should go over the terms and conditions attentively to learn what they cover.
Doctors may refuse to refer a patient to an ADHD evaluation for a number of reasons. However it isn't always the case. If your GP is unable to assist you, try another. If your doctor is unwilling to sign a shared care agreement with you to prescribe medication, you may want to get another opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments, however they can be inaccurate.