ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments have become increasingly popular as service wait times are at an all-time high. Patients who have a GP in England can avail their "Right to Choice" and choose to be directed to a private service.
This enables them to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
A growing number of people seek a diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that more than one million adults have undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are rising. In certain areas, it can take up to seven years for an appointment to be 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 disease. However many adults who require an assessment are forced to seek out help privately.
In some instances patients have been informed that they must wait up to 18 months for a prescription of 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 are struggling to keep up with the demands. The absence of a top-down strategy for ADHD is the cause the issue, as services are swamped by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing adult ADHD evaluation to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is long waiting 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 diagnosed 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 consequences. Despite these claims however, the BBC report has been criticized for failing to focus its attention on the larger issues surrounding the provision of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of over 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The increased awareness of ADHD and the increasing number of people seeking an assessment are the reason. The demand for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and some areas aren't able to provide an assessment. Those who are lucky enough to be able to access an assessment through the NHS have long wait times 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 believe they have ADHD. The doctor should be concerned and recommend an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the process can be a bit difficult. The NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for ADHD tests. This has lead to many short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. They aren't always accurate and could lead to a incorrect diagnosis.
It is important to consult an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD in the event of an assessment. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to diagnose ADHD. If you're unsure of who to call you can check with the local mental health services for a list of approved providers. You can ask your GP for an appointment with a specialist. This is the most efficient method to get an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more commonplace, and many people seek assistance. While it isn't possible to treat the disorder however, there are a variety of treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle adjustments. In addition, some are taking supplements to treat the symptoms.
A specialist psychiatrist in ADHD can help find the best treatment to treat your symptoms. They can evaluate your symptoms, such as difficulties concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleeping habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask for information about your childhood and your family history. They will then work out a personalised plan for you, which could include psychotherapy, medication or an amalgamation of both.
You have a legal choice if your GP refers you to an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use the Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your area. You can also use private clinics to conduct NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times and offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have a combined experience of more than 23 years of providing holistic psychiatric assessments and psychotherapeutic treatments for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues such as anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD tests is increasing and the trend is set to continue. This is due to a combination of factors, including a growing awareness of the condition, a underfunded NHS, and a world 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 get diagnosed so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which focused on the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The BBC Panorama documentary exposed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds to receive poor assessments and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious issue that the government must address.
Currently, adults can choose which psychiatrist they want to consult for an appointment. However the choice is typically limited to specific NHS health regions and to GPs who have agreements with these providers. The GPs are often overwhelmed and not able to provide a full service for adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity, as they are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are good However, some aren't as reliable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which could lead patients to become obsessed about their symptoms. This won't help them live better lives and could waste money that could be spent on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
However, certain NHS services are exemplary and provide a professional and comprehensive service for adults suffering from ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and care. However, these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of an expanding patient population. they're not likely to improve unless the government website improves investment in mental health services.
Insurance
A private ADHD evaluation can be costly, but it may be worth it if in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis can improve your living quality and help you in many areas, including your work and relationships. It is important to inform your insurance provider of any diagnosis so they can help you determine the best level of protection for you.
If you are a member of an insurance policy for private health be sure to check the terms and conditions of the policy to see 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 of them will not cover the exam, but others will. It is crucial to read the terms and condition carefully to know what they cover.
GPs may refuse to recommend patients for an ADHD evaluation for different reasons however this isn't always justified. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, then try to find another one. If your doctor won't sign a shared-care agreement with you, you can have a second opinion in an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments, however they can be incorrect.