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 have the option of using their 'Right to Choose' and request to be referred to a private provider.
This allows patients to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, which is a far cry from waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A growing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that more than a million adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and wait times for NHS assessments are soaring. In adhd assessment uk private can take up to seven years to get an appointment for an assessment. A few prominent people have expressed their opinions about the condition, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However many people who require a diagnosis are having to seek assistance privately.
In a few instances patients were told they would have to wait 18 months to get an order for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of staff in the public health system. The issue is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with demand. Referrals result from the lack of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private companies like Psychiatry UK. The result is long waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about the method by which private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation included an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics. All of them diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are speeding through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without giving proper advice about possible side consequences. In spite of these claims the BBC's report has been criticised for failing to focus on the larger issues relating to the provision 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 increased awareness and a growing number of patients seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand has surpassed the capacity of NHS services, with some areas unable to provide an assessment in any way. The lucky ones to get an assessment on the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are several ways to cut down the waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. First, they must talk to their GP to discuss the reasons they think they might be suffering from ADHD. The doctor should be concerned and send them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult for adults. There is a high demand for ADHD assessments, but the NHS is struggling to meet it. This has led to many short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always reliable and can result in a misdiagnosis.
It is essential to speak with an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD for an diagnosis. A general practitioner or a psychologist may not possess the skills, knowledge and experience required to recognize ADHD. If you're not sure which one to go to, check with your local mental health service for a list of approved providers. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is usually the fastest method to receive an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more common, and a lot of people seek help. There is no cure for the disorder however there are treatments which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication and psychotherapy as well as lifestyle adjustments. In addition, some people are taking supplements to treat the symptoms.
A psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD can help find the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask for details about your childhood as well as your family history. They will then create an individualized plan for you, which could include psychotherapy, medication or an amalgamation of both.
You have a legal choice in the event that your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use this Right to Choose service to choose a clinic that provides NHS assessments in your location. You can also go to a private clinic for NHS assessments. These clinics have much shorter waiting times and offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric evaluations for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as other issues that present like depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is on the rise and is expected to increase. This is due to a combination of factors, such as increased awareness about the condition, a underfunded NHS, and a world where mental health issues are becoming more prevalent. In addition, a lot of sufferers can see the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their careers and relationships, and are prepared to pay for a diagnosis so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics brought up concerns about businesses that exploit vulnerable patients. The documentary from BBC Panorama exposed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious problem that the government must tackle.
The NHS lets adults choose the psychiatrist they want to see for a diagnosis appointment. This choice is usually limited to certain NHS health regions, or to doctors who have contracts with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and are unable to provide a full service for adults suffering from ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually less expensive than NHS appointments.
While certain private services perform well, others are not as dependable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which can lead patients to become obsessed with their symptoms. This will not help their lives and waste money that could be spent on other services like anxiety or depression.
Certain NHS services however are excellent and offer a professional, comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and care. However, these services are struggling with the demands of an expanding patient population, and they're not likely to improve unless the government increases investment in mental health care.
Insurance
It's costly to undergo an individual ADHD assessment, but it's worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis can improve your quality of living and help you in many areas including your relationships and work. Your insurance provider must be informed of any diagnosis in order to determine the best level of coverage for you.
If you have a private health insurance policy be sure to check its terms and conditions to determine whether 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 will not pay the assessment fee while others will. It is important to review the terms and conditions carefully to learn what they cover.
Doctors may not send patients to an ADHD assessment for different reasons but this isn't always the case. If your GP is unable to assist, find another. If your doctor is unwilling to sign a shared care agreement with you to prescribe medication, you can try to seek another opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments, however they could be incorrect.