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. Those registered with a GP in England can avail their "Right to Choice" and request to be directed to a private service.
This allows patients to be diagnosed and assessed within months, compared to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
A growing number of people are seeking to diagnose ADHD. It is estimated that more than a million adults suffer from 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 make 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 need medical attention must seek it privately.
In a few instances patients were told that they would need wait 18 months to get an order for ADHD medication. This is due to the shortage of staff in the public health system. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester where service providers struggle to meet the demand. Referrals result from the absence of a top-down approach for ADHD. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private providers, such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in lengthy waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. An undercover journalist toured three private clinics and was found to be diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are speeding through tests and prescribing dangerous drugs without providing proper guidance about the possible side effects. However, the BBC's report has come under fire for not focusing on the larger issues relating to the treatment of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of over 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The increased awareness of the condition and the increasing number of people who seek for a diagnosis are to blame. The demand for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and some areas aren't able to provide an assessment. The lucky ones to receive an assessment from the NHS have long wait times for treatment.
There are a few ways that people can cut their waiting time to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain why they think that they might have the condition. Their GP should be concerned and send them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be difficult. There is a huge demand for ADHD assessments, yet the NHS is unable to meet this demand. This has led to numerous shortcuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always accurate and can lead to misdiagnosis.
It is important to consult a psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD when seeking an assessment. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the necessary knowledge or expertise required to diagnose. If you're unsure of who to call ask your local mental health services for an approved list of providers. You can ask your GP for an appointment with a specialist. This is the quickest method to get an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more and more common, and a lot of people seek assistance. While it is not possible to completely cure the disorder, there are a number of treatments that can reduce symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication as well as psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments. In addition, some people are taking supplements to treat the symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate you for symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, problems with working memory, sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They'll also want information about your childhood and your family history. Then, they will develop a plan specific to you. This could include psychotherapy or medication.
If you are referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England, you have a legal right choose which provider to see. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose a clinic in your area that offers NHS assessments. Alternatively, you can also make use of private clinics that offer NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and have shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of combined experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric assessments for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as other presenting issues like anxiety and depression.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to grow. This is due to a combination of factors, including a growing awareness about the condition, a underfunded NHS and a world where mental health issues are more prevalent. Many patients are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their career and relationships and are willing to pay to get diagnosed in order to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which examined the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised the issue that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary from BBC Panorama revealed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds to receive mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious problem that the government must tackle.
Adults can currently choose which doctor they wish to see for an appointment. However the choice is typically restricted to certain NHS health regions as well as to GPs who have agreements with these providers. This means that GPs are often overburdened with this work and may not be able to provide a complete service to people suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have risen in popularity because they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
While private adhd assessment london of these private services perform well however, some aren't as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis itself, and there is a danger that this can lead to patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. This won't help patients live a better life and will cause a loss of money that could be used on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
Some NHS services on the other hand are excellent and offer a professional and complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London, is a nationally recognized center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these facilities are in a struggle to meet the demands of a rapidly growing patient population.
Insurance
A private ADHD evaluation can be costly however it could be worth it if you're in a position to afford it. The diagnosis can enhance your living quality and assist you in a variety of areas, including your relationships at work and in other areas. Your insurance provider should be informed of any diagnosis in order to determine the most appropriate level of protection for you.
If you have an insurance policy for private health be sure to check the terms and conditions of the policy to see whether it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some will not cover the assessment, but others will. It is essential to review the terms and conditions carefully to know what they cover.
GPs might not be able to send patients to an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons, but this is not always justified. If your GP is unable to assist, find another. If your GP isn't willing to 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 available, but these can be misleading.