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. Anyone who is registered in England with a GP can opt to have their ADHD assessed privately applying for a 'Right of choice'.
This allows them to get assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, rather than waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
An increasing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that over one million adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and wait times for NHS assessments are rising. In some areas it can take up to seven years to get an appointment for an assessment. Celebrities, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken about their experiences with the disease. Many adults who need an assessment must seek out help privately.
In a few instances patients were told they would need wait 18 months to be given a prescription for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of staff in the public health system. The issue is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers are struggling to meet demand. A lack of a top-down approach to ADHD is the reason as services are overwhelmed by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing of adult ADHD evaluation to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is a long wait for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate over the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation was conducted by an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics, and all of them diagnosed the patient with the condition. The BBC has claimed that these clinics rush through tests and prescribing dangerous drugs without giving proper advice about the possible side effects. Despite these allegations, the BBC report has been criticized for failing to pay attention to the larger issues relating to the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has an unfinished business of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. This is a result of an increase in awareness and a growing number of people seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services and some areas are being unable to offer an assessment at all. If you are fortunate enough to be able to access an assessment through the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are many ways to cut down the time it takes to receive an ADHD diagnosis. First, they must talk to their GP to explain why they believe they be suffering from ADHD. Their doctor should take their concerns seriously and refer them for an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have 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 a lot of shortcuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always accurate and could lead to a misdiagnosis.
When seeking a diagnosis of ADHD, it is important to seek out a psychiatrist that is specialized in this type of condition. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the expertise of skills, experience and expertise to make a diagnosis. If you're unsure who to contact, ask your local mental health center for an alphabetical list. You can ask your GP for the referral to an expert. This is the quickest way to receive an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more and more common, and many people seek help. While it isn't possible to cure the disorder but there are a number of treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicines psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. Certain people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can help find the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, poor sleeping habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also request details about your childhood and your family history. They will then devise an individual plan for you, which could include psychotherapy, medication, or the combination of both.
If you're referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England you have the legal right to select the right provider. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose an area-specific clinic that provides NHS assessments. You can also choose a private clinic for NHS assessments. These clinics can make video calls and shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have a together more than 23 years in providing holistic psychiatric assessments and psychotherapeutic treatments for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), alongside other issues that present like anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD tests is increasing and the trend is expected to continue. This is due to a combination of factors, including a growing awareness about the condition, a underfunded NHS and a society where mental health issues are more frequent. Many patients are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD could cause to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay for getting diagnosed to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics brought up concerns about businesses that exploit vulnerable patients. The programme exposed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for mediocre assessment services and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue and something that must be addressed by the government.
At present, the NHS lets adults choose here which psychiatrist to see for a diagnostic appointment. This option is usually restricted to a few NHS health regions, or to GPs with contracts with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and not able to provide a full service for people suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have increased in popularity since they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
While some of these private companies are good at what they do, others are not as dependable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis itself and there is a danger that this could lead to patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. This won't improve their lives, and could cause a loss of money that could have been spent on other services such as anxiety or depression.
Certain NHS services however are exceptional and offer a professional and complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a well-known center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these facilities are having to cope with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be costly however it could be worth it if in a position to afford it. The diagnosis is essential for your overall health and can help you improve many areas of your life such as work and relationships. It is important to inform your insurance company of any diagnosis so that they can assist you in determining the best level of protection for you.
If you are a member of an insurance policy for private health, you should check the terms and conditions of the policy to determine whether it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private healthcare 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 important to review the terms and conditions carefully to understand what they cover.
Doctors may not recommend patients for an ADHD assessment due to a variety of reasons but this isn't always the case. If your GP is unable to assist you, try another. If your GP will not sign a shared care agreement with you regarding medication, you can try to get another opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are several online ADHD tests that are available however they could be misleading.