ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular as service wait times are at an all-time high. Those registered in England with a GP can choose to be referred privately making use of their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A increasing number of people are seeking the diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that more than one million adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and the waiting times for NHS assessments are rising. In certain regions, it could take up to seven years for an appointment to be available. Famous people, like Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken out about their experiences with the condition. However many people in need of a diagnosis are forced to seek assistance privately.
In a few instances patients have been told that they must wait up to 18 months for the prescription of ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is the reason. private adhd assessment uk is particularly acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to keep up with demand. The absence of a top-down strategy to treat ADHD is the reason as services are overwhelmed by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing adult ADHD assessment to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is a long wait for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate on the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation involved an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics, and all of them diagnosed him with the condition. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are speeding through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without providing proper guidance about the possible side effects. However, the BBC's report has been criticized for not focusing on the larger issues relating to the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. The increasing awareness of the condition and the increasing number of people who seek for a diagnosis are to blame. The demand has surpassed the capacity of NHS services and some areas are not able to offer an assessment even. The lucky ones to receive an assessment from the NHS have long wait times for treatment.
There are several ways that people can reduce the time it takes to wait to receive an ADHD diagnosis. First, they must talk to their GP to explain the reason they believe they have ADHD. The doctor should be concerned and send them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be a bit difficult. The NHS is unable to meet the demand for ADHD assessments. This has led to numerous ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. These aren't always reliable and can lead to a incorrect diagnosis.
It is essential to speak with an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD when seeking an diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the expertise, skills and experience to diagnose. If you are unsure which one to go to, check with your local mental health service 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.
ADHD is becoming more common, and a lot of people seek help. Although it isn't possible to completely cure the disorder however, there are a variety of treatments that can reduce symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicines as well as psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Some people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms, including difficulties concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleeping habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood, and your family history. They will then make a plan tailored to you. This may include medication or psychotherapy.
You have a legal choice when your GP refers you to an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use the Right to Choose service to select a clinic that offers NHS assessments in your location. Alternately, you can avail the services of private clinics that offer NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and offer shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists from 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 specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as other issues that present like anxiety and depression.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is on the rise and is expected to continue. It is due to increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. Many patients are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD could do to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay to get diagnosed so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which focused on the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama exposed that some private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious issue and something that must be addressed by the government.
Adults can currently choose the psychiatrist they would like to visit for an appointment. This option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions or to doctors who have contracts with these providers. GPs may be overworked and not able to provide a complete service for adults with ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity since they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are excellent, but others are not as reliable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which can lead patients to become obsessed about their symptoms. This won't help them live better lives and could cause a loss of money that could be used on other services, such as those for anxiety or depression.
Some NHS services on the other hand are exceptional and offer a professional and comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a well-known center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. These services are also having to cope with the demands of an ever-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 crucial for your overall health and can assist you in improving many areas of your life such as work and relationships. Your insurance provider must be informed of any diagnosis in order to determine the most appropriate level of coverage you need.
If you have an insurance policy for private health be sure to check its terms and conditions to determine if 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 exam, but others will. It is important to review the terms and conditions carefully to know what they cover.
Doctors may not recommend patients for an ADHD assessment for different reasons however this isn't always a valid reason. If your GP will not help you, try another. If your doctor is unwilling to sign a shared care contract with you for medication, you may want 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.