ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With service wait times at an all-time high and the need for private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Those registered with a GP in England can avail their "Right to Choose" and request 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
An increasing number of people are seeking to diagnose ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that over one million adults are undiagnosed with ADHD. The waiting times for NHS assessments have increased dramatically. In some areas it can take up to seven years to make an appointment for an assessment. Celebrities, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas, have also spoken out about their experiences with the condition. However, many adults who require a diagnosis are forced to seek assistance privately.
In some instances patients were told they would have to wait 18 months to receive the prescription for ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is to blame. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester where service providers are struggling to meet demand. Referrals are the result of the lack of a top-down strategy for ADHD. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private companies, such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in lengthy 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, and all of them diagnosed him with the condition. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are speeding through tests and prescribing dangerous medications without offering proper advice regarding possible adverse effects. In spite of these claims the BBC's report has come under fire for failing to focus on the wider issues surrounding the treatment of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of over 10,000 adult ADHD patients. This is a result of an increase in awareness and a growing number of patients seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand for NHS services has surpassed their capacity, and certain areas aren't able to provide an assessment. For those fortunate enough to receive an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for a long time before they can receive treatment.
There are a variety of methods to speed up the waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain why they believe they may be suffering from the disorder. Their GP should be concerned and refer them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of being diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrating for adults. There is a huge demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is unable to meet this demand. This has led to many shortcuts, from online assessments to private clinics. These aren't always accurate and could result in an inaccurate diagnosis.
If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is crucial to seek out a psychiatrist that is specialized in this type of condition. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the knowledge, skills and expertise required to diagnose ADHD. If you are unsure who to contact ask the local mental health services for a list more info of approved providers. You can request your GP for a referral to an expert. This is the most efficient way to receive an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness here of ADHD and a lot of people are seeking help for the disorder. There is no cure for ADHD, but there are treatments which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicines as well as psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments. Some people also take supplements to help reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD can help you find the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms, which could include difficulty concentrating, issues with adhd assessment psychiatrist memory, poor sleeping habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood, as well as your family history. They will then devise an individualized plan for you, which could include psychotherapy, medication, or the combination of both.
You have a right to choose 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 provides NHS assessments. Alternately, you can use the services of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times and offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have combined experience of more than 23 years in providing holistic psychiatric assessments and psychotherapeutic interventions to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), alongside other presenting issues like depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is on the rise and is expected to continue. It is partly down to the increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming more common. In addition, a lot of sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can do to their careers and relationships, and are prepared to be willing to pay for a diagnosis in order that they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which looked at the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised the issue that some businesses are exploitation of vulnerable patients. The BBC Panorama documentary exposed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds to receive poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious issue, and it is something that must be addressed by the government.
At present, the NHS allows adults to choose the psychiatrist they want to see for a diagnostic appointment. However, this option is often limited to specific NHS health regions and to doctors who have contracts with these providers. In the end, GPs are often overburdened with this task and may not be able to provide a full range of services to adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have increased in popularity, as they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are great, but others are not as dependable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which can lead patients to be overly concerned with their symptoms. This will not help patients live a better life and could cause a loss of money that could be used on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
However, some NHS adhd assessment psychiatrist services are exemplary and offer a professional, comprehensive service to adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a well-known center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. However, even these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of a rapidly expanding patient population, and they are unlikely to change unless the government improves investment in mental health care.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly however it could be worth it if you're in a position to afford it. The diagnosis can boost your living quality 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 diagnosis so they can assist you in determining the right level of cover for you.
Check your policy's terms and conditions to determine if the policy covers ADHD assessments. The four major private health insurance providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health, all have different policies. Some companies will not be required to pay the assessment cost, while others will. It is important to review the terms and conditions carefully to understand what they cover.
GPs may refuse to send patients to an ADHD evaluation for a variety of reasons but here this isn't always justified. If your GP is unwilling to help, find another. If your GP won't sign a shared care contract with you for medication, you may want to seek another opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are also several online ADHD assessments that are available, but they can be inaccurate.