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. 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 patients to be assessed and diagnosed within a matter of months, as opposed to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
An increasing 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 significantly. In some areas it can take up seven years to secure an appointment for an assessment. High-profile individuals, 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 with an assessment are forced to seek out help privately.
In some cases, patients have been told that they will have to wait for up to 18 months for a prescription of ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is at fault. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to keep up with the demands. The lack of a top-down strategy for ADHD is the reason, with services swamped by referrals. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private companies 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 involved an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics, all of which diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC has claimed that these clinics rush through tests and prescribing dangerous drugs without giving proper advice about possible side effects. Despite these allegations however, the BBC report has been criticized for failing to focus its attention on the larger issues relating to the provision of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The increased awareness of the condition and the increasing number of people seeking a diagnosis are to blame. The demand has even surpassed the capacity of NHS services and some areas are unable to provide an assessment at all. If you are lucky enough to be able to get an assessment through the NHS will have long waits before they are able to receive treatment.
There are a variety of ways to cut their waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to talk to their GP and explain the reason they believe they may be suffering from the disorder. The doctor should be concerned and recommend an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be frustrating. The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD tests. This has lead to numerous shortcuts, ranging from private clinics to online assessments. They aren't always accurate and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.
If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is essential to consult a psychiatrist that is specialized in this condition. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to diagnose. If you are unsure who to contact ask your local mental health services for an approved list of providers. You can also request your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is typically the quickest method to receive an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and a lot of people are seeking help for the disorder. While it is not possible to completely cure the disorder however, there are a variety of treatments that can reduce symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Additionally, 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 can evaluate you for symptoms such as difficulties in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also request details about your childhood as well as your family history. They will then devise an individual plan for you that may include medication, psychotherapy or the combination of both.
If you are 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 select an area-specific clinic that provides NHS assessments. You can also go to a private clinic for NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times, and they also provide video calls.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney, have combined experience of more than 23 years of providing holistic psychiatric assessment and psychotherapeutic interventions for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues like anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing and the trend is set to continue. This is partly due to increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. Many patients are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay to be diagnosed to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics raised concerns about companies exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary from BBC Panorama revealed that some private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious issue that the government must tackle.
private adhd assessment london can currently choose which doctor they wish to see for an appointment. However this option is usually restricted to specific NHS health regions and GPs with agreements with these providers. As a result, GPs are often overburdened with this task and might not be able to offer a full service to adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity since they tend to be less expensive than NHS appointments.
While certain private services perform well, others are not as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis itself and there is a chance that this could lead to patients who are overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not improve their lives and will cost money that could have been spent on other services such as depression or anxiety.
However, some NHS services are exemplary and provide a high-quality, comprehensive service to adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London, is a nationally recognized center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. These services are also in a struggle to meet the demands of an ever-growing patient population.
Insurance
It's expensive to get an individual ADHD assessment however it's worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis can enhance your living quality and assist you in a variety of areas, including your work and relationships. You must inform your insurance company of any diagnosis so they can advise you on the right level of cover for you.
If you have 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. Certain companies do not have to pay the assessment fee, while others will. It is important to review the terms and conditions carefully to find out what they cover.
GPs might not be able to recommend patients for an ADHD evaluation for a variety of reasons but this isn't always the case. If your GP will not help you, try another. If your GP won't sign a shared care contract with you for medication, it is possible to seek a second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments that are available, but these can be inaccurate.