ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments have become more popular as wait times are at an all-time high. Those registered with a GP in England have the option of using their "Right to Choice" and request to be directed to a private service.
This allows patients to be diagnosed and assessed in a matter of months, which is a far cry from waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting several 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. Waiting times for NHS assessments have increased significantly. In some areas, it can take up to seven years for an appointment to be available. Celebrities, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken out about their experiences with the disease. However, many adults in need of a diagnosis are having to seek help privately.
In some instances patients have been informed that they have to wait for up to 18 months before receiving a prescription of ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of personnel in the public health system. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to keep up with demand. The absence of a top-down strategy for ADHD is to blame, with services swamped by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private providers like Psychiatry UK. The result is long waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over how private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation involved an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics, all of which diagnosed him with the condition. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through tests and prescribe powerful medication without providing adequate advice about side effects. Despite these claims, the BBC report has been criticized for its inability to focus its attention on the bigger issues surrounding 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 people seeking to diagnose the condition. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services, with some areas being unable to offer an assessment in any way. The lucky ones to be able to access an assessment through the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are many methods to speed up the time required to wait for ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain why they believe they may be suffering from the condition. Their GP should take their concerns seriously and refer them to an examination.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the process can be frustrating. The NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for ADHD tests. This has led to numerous short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. They aren't always accurate and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.
It is important to consult a psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD for an diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the knowledge of skills, experience and expertise to diagnose. If you're unsure whom to ask, consult your local mental health clinic for an alphabetical list. You may also request your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is usually the fastest method of getting an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking assistance for the disorder. There is no cure for ADHD however there are treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Certain people also take supplements to help reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can evaluate your symptoms, including difficulties in concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleeping habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood, as well as your family history. They will then devise a personalised plan for you which could include psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both.
If you're referred to an adult ADHD check here assessment by your GP in England you have a legal right to choose the clinic you want to visit. This Right to Choose service allows you to select the clinic in your area that offers NHS assessments. Alternately, you can make use of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics can make video calls and shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric evaluations to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), alongside other presenting issues like anxiety and depression.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is on the rise and is expected to grow. This is due to a mix of factors, including a growing awareness of the condition, a underfunded NHS and a society where mental health issues are more frequent. Many patients are aware of the damage that untreated ADHD could cause to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay to be diagnosed so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics raised concerns about companies exploiting vulnerable patients. The program revealed that some private clinics are charging people thousands of pounds for subpar assessment services and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue and is something that must be addressed by the government.
Currently, adults can choose which psychiatrist they want to consult for an appointment. However this option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions and to GPs who have contracts with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and are unable to provide a complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are generally cheaper than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are excellent however, others aren't as dependable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which could lead patients to become overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not allow them live better lives, and it will also waste money that could be spent on other services, like those for 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. However, even these services are struggling to keep up 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 costly, but it may be worth it if in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis can improve your living conditions and help you in many 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 the policy covers ADHD tests. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some companies won't pay the assessment fee while others will. You should review the terms and conditions carefully to understand what they cover.
Doctors may not refer patients for an ADHD assessment due to different reasons but this isn't always justified. If your GP is unwilling to help then find a different. If your doctor won't sign a shared-care agreement with you, you may get a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments that are available, but these can be inaccurate.