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. Patients in England with a GP can choose to have their ADHD assessed privately using their 'Right of Choice'.
This enables them to be assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting times
A growing number of people are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD. In the UK, it is estimated that over one million adults are not diagnosed with ADHD. Waiting times for NHS assessments have risen dramatically. In some areas, it can take up to seven years for an appointment to become available. Famous people, like Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken about their experiences with the disease. However many people with a diagnosis are forced to seek help privately.
In a few instances, patients were told they'd have wait 18 months to be given the prescription for ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of staff in the public health system. This is especially true in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with demand. The absence of a top-down strategy for ADHD is the cause, with services swamped by referrals. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private companies like Psychiatry UK, resulting in long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate over the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. An undercover journalist visited three private clinics and was deemed with ADHD by all. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are speeding through assessments and prescribing powerful drugs without giving proper advice regarding possible adverse 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. This is a result of increased awareness and a growing number of people seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand for NHS services has surpassed their capacity, and some areas are unable to offer an assessment. Those who are fortunate enough to receive an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for a long time before they are able to receive treatment.
There are a variety of ways to reduce the waiting time for an ADHD diagnoses. The first is to talk to their GP and explain the reason they think they may be suffering from the condition. Their doctor should take their concerns seriously and refer them for an examination.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it 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 aren't always accurate and could result in an incorrect diagnosis.
If you are 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 a psychologist might not have the skills, knowledge and expertise required to diagnose ADHD. If you're unsure who to call, you can ask your local mental health service for the how much for private adhd assessment list. You may also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist which is usually the fastest way to get an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more and more commonplace, and many people seek help. Although it isn't possible to treat the disorder but there are a number of treatments that can reduce symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications and psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. Certain people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can help you find the best treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate you for signs such as difficulty concentrating, problems with working memory, sleep habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood, and your family history. They will then create a plan that is specifically tailored to your needs. This may include psychotherapy or medication.
You can make a legal decision if your GP suggests 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 to do NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times and offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric evaluations to adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting problems like anxiety and depression.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing and the trend is expected to continue. It is due to increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming more prevalent. Additionally, many sufferers can see the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their relationships and careers 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 by BBC Panorama revealed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds to receive mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious concern and is something that needs to be addressed by the government.
Adults can currently choose the psychiatrist they would like to see for an appointment. This option is typically restricted to a few 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 adults with ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have grown in popularity because they are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
While certain 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 chance that this can lead to patients who are too concerned about their symptoms. This will not improve their lives and cause a loss of money that could be used for other services like anxiety or depression.
However, some NHS services are excellent and offer a professional complete service to people suffering from ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. However, these services are struggling with the demands of a rapidly expanding patient population, and they are unlikely to change unless the government improves investment in mental health services.
Insurance
It can be costly to undergo an individual ADHD assessment however it's worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis is essential for your quality of life and can assist you in improving the quality of your life in many areas, including work and relationships. You should inform your insurance provider of any diagnosis so they can assist you in determining the right level of cover 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 health insurance providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health each have their own policies. Some will not pay for the assessment, but others will. It is important to study the terms and conditions carefully to know what they cover.
GPs can refuse to refer a patient for an ADHD evaluation due to a variety of reasons. However, this is not always the situation. If your GP will not help you, try another. If your doctor is unwilling to sign a shared care contract with you to prescribe medication, you may want to seek a second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are several online ADHD tests available however, they can be inaccurate.