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 opt to be referred privately by using their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows patients to be diagnosed and assessed within months, compared to waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting times
An increasing number of people are seeking to diagnose ADHD. It is estimated that more than one million adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and wait times for NHS assessments are increasing. In certain regions, it could take as long as seven years for an appointment to be available. Some famous people have spoken out about the condition, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However, many adults in need of a diagnosis are having to seek help privately.
In some instances patients were told they'd have to wait 18 months to receive an order for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of staff in the public health system. The problem is especially severe in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with demand. Referrals result from the lack of a top-down strategy for ADHD. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private firms such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in lengthy waiting periods for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about the method by which private clinics diagnosis ADHD. A journalist undercover visited three private clinics and was diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through tests and prescribe powerful drugs without offering proper advice on adverse effects. In spite of these claims the BBC's report has been criticized for failing to focus on the wider issues that surround the treatment of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. This is a result of increasing awareness and a rising number of people seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and certain regions are not able to provide an assessment. Those who are fortunate enough to receive an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for a long time before they can receive treatment.
There are a variety of ways to cut down the time it takes to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to talk to their GP and explain the reason they believe they may be suffering from the condition. Your GP should be concerned and recommend 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 tests. This has led to many alternatives, from online assessments to private clinics. These are not always reliable and could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis.
It is important to consult a psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD when seeking an assessment. A general practitioner or psychologist may not possess the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to diagnose ADHD. If you're not sure who to contact, ask your local mental health clinic for an alphabetical list. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist which is typically the quickest way to get an ADHD assessment.
There is private adhd assessment london growing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking help for the condition. There is no cure for ADHD, however there are treatment options that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication and psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Some people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms, which could include difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, poor sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They'll also want details about your childhood and your family history. They will then work out an individual plan for you that may include medication, psychotherapy 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 choose the clinic you want to visit. You can use the Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your area. You can also use a private clinic for NHS assessments. private adhd assessment london have shorter waiting times and offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as other issues such as depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to increase. This is due to a mix of factors, including increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and a society where mental health issues are more frequent. In addition, many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can do to their lives and relationships and are willing to pay for a diagnosis so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics caused concern about the way in which companies exploit vulnerable patients. The documentary revealed that certain private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for mediocre assessment services, and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue that the government must address.
Presently, adults can select which doctor they wish to visit for an appointment. However the choice is typically restricted to specific NHS health regions as well as to GPs who have agreements with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and unable to provide full-service for adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity since they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
While some of these private services perform well but others aren't as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis itself and there is a danger that this can lead to patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. This will not help their lives and will waste money that could have been spent on other treatments such as depression or anxiety.
Certain NHS services however are excellent and offer a professional and comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is nationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and care. However, these services are struggling to cope with the demands of a rapidly expanding patient population, and they are unlikely to change unless the government makes better investments in mental health care.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be expensive, but it may be worth it if you're in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis can improve your quality of living and aid you in a variety of areas including your relationships at work and in other areas. Your insurance provider should be informed of any diagnosis to determine the best level of coverage for you.
Examine your policy's terms & conditions to determine if it covers ADHD tests. Axa PPP (private healthcare provider), Aviva (private health insurance provider), Bupa (private health insurance provider) and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some companies won't pay the assessment fee, while others will. It is important to read the terms and conditions attentively to learn what they cover.
Doctors may refuse to refer a patient to an ADHD evaluation for a number of reasons. However, this is not always the situation. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, then try finding a different one. If your doctor won't sign a shared-care contract with you, you may have a second opinion in an ADHD clinic. There are also several online ADHD assessments available, but they could be incorrect.