ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for services at an all-time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. Anyone who is registered in England with a GP are able to opt to be referred 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 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 soaring. In certain areas, it could take up seven years to secure an appointment for an assessment. 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 adults with a diagnosis are having to seek assistance privately.
In some instances patients have been informed that they must wait for up to 18 months before receiving an appointment for ADHD medication. This is due to the shortage of staff in the public health system. The problem is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers are struggling to meet the demand. Referrals are the result of the lack of a top-down strategy for ADHD. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private providers like Psychiatry UK, resulting in lengthy waiting periods for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation included an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics, and all of them diagnosed him with the condition. The BBC claims that these clinics speed through assessments and prescribe powerful medication without providing adequate advice about adverse effects. However, the BBC's report has been criticised for failing to focus on the wider issues that surround the treatment of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has an unfinished business of more than 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 surpassed their capacity, and certain areas are unable to offer an assessment. If you are lucky enough to be able to get an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for long periods before they can receive treatment.
There are a few ways to reduce the time they wait to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to talk to their GP and explain the reason they think that they might be suffering from the condition. The doctor should be aware of their concerns and refer them for an examination.
Psychiatrists
The process of being diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrating for adults. The NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for ADHD assessments. This has lead to numerous short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These aren't always accurate and could result in an incorrect diagnosis.
If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD, it is important to find a psychiatrist that is specialized in this type of condition. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the expertise, skills and experience to make a diagnosis. If you're unsure whom to ask, consult your local mental health service for the list. You may also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist which is typically the quickest method to receive an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and a lot of people are seeking assistance for the condition. There is no cure for ADHD, but there are treatments which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. Additionally, some people are taking supplements to treat the symptoms.
A psychiatrist with a specialization in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms, including difficulties in concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleeping habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask for information about your childhood and your family history. They will then work out an individual plan for you, which could include psychotherapy, medication here or the combination of both.
You have a right to choose if your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose the clinic in your area that provides NHS assessments. You can also go to a private clinic for NHS assessments. These clinics have shorter waiting times and also offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of combined experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric evaluations for adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) alongside other presenting issues like depression and anxiety.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing and is set to continue. This is partly due to the increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and a world in which mental health issues are becoming increasingly widespread. In addition, a lot of patients can see the damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their relationships and careers, and are prepared to pay for a diagnosis so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics raised concerns about companies exploiting vulnerable patients. The programme exposed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for mediocre assessment services and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious issue, and it is something that must be addressed by the government.
The NHS lets adults choose which psychiatrist to see for a diagnostic appointment. This option is typically restricted to certain NHS health regions, or to GPs with agreements with these providers. The GPs are often overwhelmed and are unable to provide a full service for people suffering from ADHD. This has led to a growth in private ADHD assessment services, which are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
While some of these private services do a good job but others aren't as reliable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis itself and there is a risk that this can lead to patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. This will not help their lives and cause a loss of money that could be used for other services such as depression or anxiety.
However, certain NHS services are exemplary and provide a professional and comprehensive service for people suffering from ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and care. These services are also struggling with the demand 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 pay for it. The diagnosis is crucial for your quality of life and can assist you in improving many areas of your life, including work and relationships. Your insurance provider should be aware of any diagnosis to determine the best level of protection for you.
If you have a private health insurance policy it is important to review its terms and conditions to see whether it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health each have their own 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 fully understand what they cover.
GPs might not be able to refer patients for an ADHD assessment due to different reasons, but this is not always the case. If your GP is unable to assist, find another. If your doctor won't agree to a shared-care arrangement with you, you may seek a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are many online ADHD tests available, but they can be incorrect.