ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for services at an all time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Anyone who is registered in England with a GP can choose to have their ADHD assessed privately using their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows patients to be assessed and diagnosed 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. It is estimated that over one million adults have undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and the waiting times for NHS assessments are increasing. In some areas it can take up to seven years to get an appointment for an assessment. Some high-profile individuals have expressed their opinions about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. Many adults who require medical attention must seek it privately.
In a few instances, patients have been told that they will have to wait for up to 18 months for the prescription of ADHD medication. The shortage of staff within the public health system is to blame. The issue is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with the demand. Referrals are the result of the absence of a top-down approach for ADHD. This has resulted in the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate on the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation was conducted by an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics, all of which diagnosed the patient with the condition. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are rushing through assessments and prescribing powerful medications without offering proper advice regarding possible adverse consequences. However, the BBC's report has come under fire for not focusing on the wider issues surrounding the treatment of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. The increased awareness of ADHD and the increasing number of people who seek a diagnosis are to blame. The demand has surpassed the capacity of NHS services, with some areas not able to offer an assessment in any way. The lucky ones to receive an assessment from the NHS face long waits for treatment.
There are many methods to speed up the time it takes to receive an ADHD diagnoses. First, they should speak to their GP to explain the reason they believe they may be suffering from ADHD. Their doctor should be aware of their concerns and refer them for an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a snooze for adults. There is a high demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is struggling to meet this demand. This has led to numerous short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. They aren't always reliable and could result in an inaccurate diagnosis.
It is essential to speak with an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD when seeking a diagnosis. A general practitioner or a psychologist might not have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to diagnose ADHD. If you're unsure who to call, you can ask your local mental health clinic for the list. You can ask your GP for the referral to an expert. This is the fastest method to get an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more and more common, and many people seek assistance. Although private adult adhd assessment isn't possible to cure the disorder, there are a number of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle modifications. Certain people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
A specialist psychiatrist in ADHD can help find the best treatment to treat your symptoms. They will evaluate you for symptoms such as difficulty in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask for details about your childhood and your family history. Then, they will create a plan that is specifically tailored to your needs. This may include psychotherapy or medication.
If you're referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England You have a legal right select the right provider. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose an area-specific clinic that provides NHS assessments. Alternately, you can use the services of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics have shorter waiting times, and they also provide video calls.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of combined experience in providing holistic psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments to adults. They specialise 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 increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and a society where mental health issues are becoming more frequent. Many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their career and relationships and are willing to pay to be diagnosed so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which looked at the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The program revealed that some private clinics are charging people thousands of pounds for subpar assessment services and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious issue and is something that needs to be addressed by the government.
At present, the NHS allows adults to choose which psychiatrist to see to schedule a diagnostic appointment. However the choice is typically restricted to specific NHS health regions and doctors who have agreements with these providers. GPs may be overworked and not able to provide a full service for adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have increased in popularity since they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are great however, others aren't as reliable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis itself, and there is a danger that this will result in patients who are overly concerned about their symptoms. This won't improve their lives and cost money that could be used for other services such as depression or anxiety.
However, some NHS services are exceptional and offer a professional, comprehensive service to people suffering from ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these services are having to cope with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly but it can be worth it if you're in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis can enhance your living conditions and help you in many areas such as your relationships at work and in other areas. It is important to inform your insurance company of any diagnosis so they can help you determine the appropriate level of coverage for you.
Check your policy's terms and conditions to determine whether it covers ADHD tests. Axa PPP (private healthcare provider), Aviva (private health insurance provider), Bupa (private health insurance provider) and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some will not cover the assessment, but others will. It is important to read the terms and condition carefully to know what they cover.
GPs may not be able to refer a patient for an ADHD evaluation for a number of reasons. However, this is not always the case. If your GP is unable to assist then find a different. If your GP will not sign a shared care contract with you to prescribe medication, you may want to seek an additional opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are also several online ADHD assessments available, but they can be misleading.