ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
With wait times for service at an all time high and the need for private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Anyone who is registered with a GP in England have the option of using their "Right to Choice" and request to be sent to a private company.
This allows them to be diagnosed and assessed within a matter of months, as opposed to waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
An increasing number of people are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD. It is estimated that more than one million adults have undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are increasing. In certain areas, it can take up to seven years for an assessment appointment to be 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 adults with an assessment are forced to seek assistance privately.
In some instances, patients were told they would have wait for 18 months before they could be given the prescription for ADHD medication. The lack of staff in the public health system is to blame. The issue is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers struggle to meet demand. A lack of a top-down approach to ADHD is the reason, with services swamped by referrals. This has resulted in the outsourcing adult ADHD assessment to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate on the way private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation was conducted by an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics, all of which diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through tests and prescribe powerful drugs without offering proper advice on adverse effects. However the BBC's report has come under fire for failing to focus on the larger issues relating to the provision 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 ADHD and the increasing number of people who seek for a diagnosis are to blame. The demand for NHS services has surpassed their capacity, and some areas aren't able to provide an assessment. The lucky ones to be able to access an assessment through the NHS have long wait times for treatment.
There are several ways that people can reduce the time they wait for an ADHD diagnosis. First, they should speak to their GP to explain the reason they believe they may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned and recommend an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a snooze for adults. There is a lot of demand for ADHD tests, but the NHS is struggling to meet it. This has led to a variety of shortcuts, from online assessments to private clinics. They aren't always accurate and can lead to a misdiagnosis.
It is important to consult a psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD for a diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist may not possess the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to diagnose ADHD. If you're not sure who to call, check with the local mental health services for a list of approved providers. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is typically the quickest method of getting an ADHD assessment.
ADHD is becoming more commonplace, and many people seek assistance. There is no cure for ADHD, however there are treatment options that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication and psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Some people also take supplements to help reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD can help you find the best treatment for your symptoms. adhd assessment private cost can evaluate your symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, poor sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood and your family history. They will then create an individual plan for you that may include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.
You have a legal choice if your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use the Right to Choose service to select a clinic that offers NHS assessments in your region. You can also avail the services of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of combined experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric evaluations to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as other presenting issues like depression and anxiety.
Costs
There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD tests is increasing and is set to continue. This is due to a combination of factors, including increased awareness about the condition, a underfunded NHS and a society where mental health issues are becoming more frequent. Many sufferers are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their career and relationships and are willing to pay to get diagnosed so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which looked at the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised the issue that some businesses are exploitation of vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama revealed that private clinics charge people thousands of pounds for mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue and is something that needs to be addressed by the government.
Presently, adults can select the psychiatrist they would like to consult to make an appointment. However the choice is typically restricted to certain NHS health regions and to doctors who have agreements with these providers. GPs may be overworked and are unable to provide a complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. This has led to a growth in private ADHD assessment services, which are generally cheaper than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are good however, others aren't as dependable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis itself and there is a chance that this could lead to patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. This won't help patients live a better life, and it will also cause a loss of money that could be used on other services, like those for anxiety or depression.
Some NHS services, on the other hand are exceptional and provide a professional and complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a well-known center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these services are in a struggle to meet the demands of an ever-growing patient population.
Insurance
It's expensive to have a private ADHD assessment however it's worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis is essential for your overall health and can help you improve many areas of your life such as work and relationships. It is important to inform your insurance provider of any medical condition so that 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 see 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. Certain companies do not have to be required to pay the assessment cost, while others will. It is essential to read the terms and condition carefully to know what they cover.
GPs may not be able to refer a patient for an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons. However it isn't always the case. If your GP is unable to assist, find another. If your GP isn't willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you, you can seek a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments, however they can be inaccurate.