ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for service at an all-time high and the need for private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Anyone who is registered in England with a GP can choose to be referred privately by using their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, which is a far cry from waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A growing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that nearly one million adults are undiagnosed with ADHD. Waiting times for NHS assessments have increased dramatically. In certain regions, it could take up to seven years for an appointment to become available. Some high-profile individuals have been vocal about the condition, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However many adults who require a diagnosis are forced to seek help privately.
In some instances, patients were told they'd have wait for 18 months before they could get the prescription for ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is at fault. The problem is especially severe in Greater Manchester where service providers are struggling to meet the demand. The lack of a top-down strategy to treat ADHD is the reason as services are overwhelmed by referrals. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private companies like Psychiatry UK, resulting in long waiting periods for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked 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 claims that these clinics speed through assessments and prescribe powerful medications without providing proper advice about adverse effects. Despite these claims the BBC's report has come under fire for failing to focus on the wider issues surrounding the provision of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The growing awareness of the condition and the growing number of people who seek an assessment are the reason. The demand for NHS services has surpassed their capacity, and some areas aren't able to provide an assessment. Those who are lucky enough to get an assessment on the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are several ways that people can reduce the time they wait for an ADHD diagnosis. First, they should speak to their GP to explain why they believe they may be suffering from ADHD. Their doctor should be aware of their concerns and refer them for an examination.
Psychiatrists
The process of being diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult for adults. The NHS is unable to meet the demand for ADHD assessments. This has lead to a lot of shortcuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These aren't always accurate and could result in a misdiagnosis.
When seeking a diagnosis of ADHD, it is important to seek out an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this type of condition. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the necessary knowledge or expertise required to make a diagnosis. If you're not sure who to contact ask your local mental health service here for the list of approved providers. You can request your GP for a referral to an expert. This is the most efficient method of receiving an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many people are seeking help for the disorder. Although it isn't possible to cure the condition however, there are a variety of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicine, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. In addition, some people are taking supplements to treat the symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can help you find the best treatment for 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 inquire about your childhood, and your family history. They will then make a plan specific to you. This could include psychotherapy or medication.
You have a legal choice when your GP refers you to an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can utilize this Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your area. You can also avail the services of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics can make video calls and have shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of combined experience in providing holistic psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments for adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) alongside other presenting problems like depression and anxiety.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is increasing and is set to continue. It is due to the increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. In addition, a lot of sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can do to their lives and relationships, and are prepared to pay for a diagnosis so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which looked at the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised the issue that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The program revealed that some private clinics are charging patients thousands of pounds for mediocre assessment services, and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue that the government must tackle.
At present, the NHS lets adults choose which psychiatrist to see for a diagnostic appointment. This option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions or to doctors who have contracts with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and unable to provide a full service for adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have increased in popularity, as they are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are great however, others aren't as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis itself, and there is a risk that this could lead to patients who are too concerned about their symptoms. This will not improve their lives and will waste money that could have been spent on other services such as anxiety or depression.
However, some NHS services are exemplary and provide a professional and comprehensive service for adults suffering from ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and care. However, these services are struggling with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population, and they're unlikely to improve unless the government makes better investments in mental health care.
Insurance
It can be costly to have a private ADHD assessment however it's worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis can boost your living quality and assist you in a variety of areas including your relationships at work and in other areas. You must inform your insurance provider of any diagnosis so that they can advise you on the right level of cover for you.
Review your policy's terms and conditions to determine whether it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private health insurance providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health, all have different policies. Some companies won't be required to pay the assessment cost, while others will. It is essential to study the terms and conditions carefully to know what they cover.
GPs may refuse to refer patients for an ADHD assessment for different reasons but this isn't always justified. If your GP isn't willing to help you, try finding a different one. If your GP will not sign a shared care contract with you to prescribe medication, it is possible to get a second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a variety of online ADHD tests that are available however they could be inaccurate.