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. Those registered with a GP in England can avail their "Right to Choose" and opt to be referred to a private provider.
private adhd assessment uk cost allows them to be assessed and diagnosed within a matter of months, as opposed to 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 aren't diagnosed with ADHD. The wait times for NHS assessments have increased significantly. In some regions, it could take as long as seven years for an appointment to be available. Some famous people have been vocal about the condition, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However, many adults in need of a diagnosis are forced to seek out help privately.
In some instances patients were told they'd have wait for 18 months before they could receive an order for ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is the reason. This is especially true in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with the demand. Referrals are a result of the lack of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has resulted in the outsourcing of adult ADHD evaluation to private providers like Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about the method by which private clinics diagnose ADHD. A journalist undercover visited three private clinics and was deemed with ADHD by all. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are speeding through tests and prescribing dangerous drugs without giving proper advice about the possible side effects. Despite these claims, the BBC report has been criticized for failing to pay attention to the larger issues relating to the provision ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS currently has a backlog of over 10,000 adult ADHD patients. This is due to increasing awareness and a rising number of people seeking to diagnose the condition. The demand has even surpassed the capacity of NHS services and some areas are not able to offer an assessment in any way. If you are lucky enough to receive an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for long periods before they are able to receive treatment.
There are many ways to cut down the time required to wait for ADHD diagnosis. The first is to speak 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 it can be frustrating. The NHS is unable to keep up with the demand for ADHD assessments. This has lead to a lot of shortcuts, from private clinics to online assessments. They aren't always reliable and could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis.
If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD, it is important to find an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this type of condition. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the necessary knowledge of skills, experience and expertise to make a diagnosis. If you're unsure who to contact, ask your local mental health center for a 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 common, and many people seek help. There is no cure for ADHD however there are treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicines as well as psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. Some people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD can help find the best treatment to treat your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms for difficulty concentrating, problems with working memory, poor sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood and your family history. Then, they will create a plan that is specific to you. This may include psychotherapy or medication.
You have a right to choose if your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use this Right to Choose service to choose a clinic that provides NHS assessments in your area. Alternatively, you can also avail the services of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics offer video calls and offer shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists at 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
The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to grow. It is due to increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming more prevalent. Many sufferers are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD could do to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay to be diagnosed so they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics raised concerns about companies exploiting vulnerable patients. The program revealed that some private clinics are charging people thousands of pounds for mediocre assessment services and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious issue that the government must address.
Adults can currently choose which psychiatrist they want to visit for an appointment. This option is usually restricted to specific NHS health regions, or to doctors who have agreements with these providers. This means that GPs are often overburdened with this work and may not be able to offer a full service to adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have increased in popularity since they are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
While some of these private companies perform well however, some aren't as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which could cause patients to become overly concerned with their symptoms. This will not help their lives, and could cost money that could have been spent on other treatments such as anxiety or depression.
In contrast, some NHS services are exceptional and provide a high-quality and comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a well-known center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. These services are also having to cope with the demands of an ever-growing patient population.
Insurance
It's costly to undergo a private ADHD assessment however it's worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis is crucial for your well-being and can assist you in improving many areas of your life including relationships and work. You should inform your insurance company of any diagnosis so that they can help you determine the appropriate level of coverage for you.
If you have a private health insurance policy, you should check its terms and conditions 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. Some will not cover the assessment, but others will. It is important to study the terms and conditions carefully to know what they cover.
GPs may refuse to refer patients for an ADHD evaluation for a variety of reasons however this isn't always justified. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, then look for a different one. If your doctor is unwilling to sign a shared care contract with you to prescribe medication, you can try to get another opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are many online ADHD tests to choose from, but they can be inaccurate.