ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments have become increasingly popular since wait times are at an all-time high. Patients who have a GP in England can use their "Right to Choice" and choose to be directed to a private service.
This allows patients to be assessed and diagnosed within a matter of months, as opposed to waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
A growing number of people are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD. In the UK it is estimated that nearly one million adults are not diagnosed with ADHD. The wait times for NHS assessments have risen significantly. In certain areas, it can take as long as seven years for an assessment appointment to be available. 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 in need of an assessment are forced to seek assistance privately.
In a few instances patients have been informed that they have to wait up to 18 months before receiving the prescription of ADHD medication. This is due to a shortage of personnel in the public health system. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester where service providers struggle to meet the demand. The absence of a top-down strategy for ADHD is to blame as services are overwhelmed by referrals. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private companies such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in long wait periods for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate over the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. A journalist undercover visited three private clinics and was deemed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through tests and prescribe powerful medications without providing adequate advice about side effects. However, the BBC's report has come under fire for not focusing on the larger issues relating to the provision of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of over 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The increasing awareness of the condition and the growing number of people seeking for a diagnosis are to blame. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services and some areas are not able to offer an assessment in any way. For those 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 for people to reduce the time they wait to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to speak to their GP and explain why they think that they might have 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 struggling to keep up with the demand for ADHD tests. This has led to a lot of short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always reliable and could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis.
It is essential to speak with an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD for a diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the expertise, skills and experience to determine a diagnosis. If you're not sure whom to ask, consult your local mental health service for a list. You can request your GP for the referral to a specialist. This is the fastest method to get an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking help for the disorder. There is no cure for the disorder however there are treatment options which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicine psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. Additionally, some people are taking supplements to treat the symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can help find the best treatment to treat your symptoms. They can evaluate you for signs such as difficulties in concentrating, issues with working memory, sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also request details about your childhood as well as your family history. They will then create an individual plan for you, which could include psychotherapy, medication, or an amalgamation 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 an area-specific clinic that provides NHS assessments. Alternately, you can use the services of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics offer video calls and shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have collective experience of more than 23 years in providing holistic psychiatric assessments and psychotherapeutic interventions for adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues like depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is on the rise and is expected to continue. This is partly due to the increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming more common. Many sufferers are aware of the damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay to be diagnosed to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which looked at the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. private adhd assessment exposed that some private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds to receive mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue that the government needs to address.
Currently, adults can choose which psychiatrist they want to see for an appointment. However this option is usually limited to specific NHS health regions and GPs with contracts with these providers. GPs may be overworked and unable to provide full-service for adults with ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have increased in popularity because they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
While some of these private services are good at what they do, others are not as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis itself, and there is a chance that this can lead to patients who are overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not allow them live better lives and could waste money that could be spent on other services, such as those for 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 internationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and care. Even these facilities are in a struggle to meet the demands of a rapidly growing patient population.
Insurance
A private ADHD assessment can be expensive, but it may be worth it if in a position to afford it. The diagnosis is crucial for your quality of life and can assist you in improving the quality of your life in many areas including relationships and work. Your insurance provider must be aware of any diagnosis to determine the most appropriate level of coverage for you.
If you have an insurance policy for private health be sure to check the terms and conditions of the policy to determine whether it covers ADHD assessments. Axa PPP (private healthcare provider), Aviva (private health insurance provider), Bupa (private health insurance provider), and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some will not cover the examination, while others will. You should read the terms and conditions carefully to learn what they cover.
GPs can refuse to refer a patient for an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons. However, this is not always the case. If your GP does not want to assist you, then try to find another one. If your GP won't sign a shared care agreement with you to prescribe medication, you may want to get a second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments available, but they could be incorrect.