Don't Forget ADHD Diagnosis Private UK: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Have It
Don't Forget ADHD Diagnosis Private UK: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Have It
Blog Article
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. Those registered in England with a GP are able to opt to be referred privately applying for a 'Right of choice'.
This enables them to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, rather than waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
An increasing number of people are seeking to diagnose ADHD. It is estimated that more than one million adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and wait times for NHS assessments are rising. In some areas, it can take up to seven years to get an appointment for an assessment. Some high-profile individuals have been vocal about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. Many adults who require medical attention must seek it privately.
In some instances patients have been told that they have to wait up to 18 months for a prescription of ADHD medication. This is due to the shortage of staff in the public health system. The problem is especially acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with demand. The absence of a top-down strategy for ADHD is to blame, with services swamped by referrals. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD assessment to private providers like Psychiatry UK. The result is long waiting times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about the method by which private clinics diagnosis ADHD. The investigation involved an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics, all of which diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are speeding through assessments and prescribing powerful medications without offering proper advice about possible side consequences. Despite these claims, the BBC's report has come under fire for not focusing on the wider issues surrounding the treatment of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. The growing awareness of the condition and the growing number of people who seek a diagnosis are to blame. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services in some areas, and they are not able to offer an assessment even. Those who are lucky enough to be able to access an assessment through the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are a variety of ways to cut down the time it takes to receive an ADHD diagnoses. The first is to speak to their GP and explain the reason they think they may be suffering from the condition. Their GP should be aware of their concerns and refer them for an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be a bit difficult. There is a huge demand for ADHD assessments, yet the NHS is unable to meet this demand. This has led to many ways to get assessments, from online to private clinics. These are not always accurate and can lead to misdiagnosis.
If you're seeking a diagnosis for ADHD it is essential to find an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this disorder. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the knowledge of skills, experience and expertise to make a diagnosis. If you're not sure who to contact, check with the local mental health services for an approved list of providers. You can request your GP for the referral to an expert. This is the most efficient method of receiving an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and a lot of people are seeking assistance for the condition. Although it isn't possible to treat the disorder however, there are a variety of treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications and psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments. Certain people also take supplements to lessen symptoms.
A psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate you for signs such as difficulty in concentrating, issues with working memory, sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood and your family history. They will then work out an individualized plan for you, which could include psychotherapy, medication or the combination of both.
You have a right to choose when your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to select the clinic in your area that offers NHS assessments. Alternately, you can avail the services of private clinics that offer NHS assessments. These clinics offer shorter waiting times, and they also provide video calls.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), alongside other issues that present 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 partly down to increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming more common. In addition, many patients can see the damage that untreated ADHD can do to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay for a diagnosis so that they can receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, which examined the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised concerns that some businesses are exploitation of vulnerable patients. The programme exposed that some private clinics are charging people thousands of pounds for poor assessment services and poor aftercare. This is a major issue, and it is something that must be addressed by the government.
Currently, the NHS allows adults to select which psychiatrist to see for a diagnosis appointment. However this option is usually restricted to certain NHS health regions and to doctors who have agreements with these providers. GPs may be overworked and unable to provide a complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. This has led to a growth in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.
While some of these private companies do a good job, others are not as dependable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which can lead patients to become overly concerned about their symptoms. This will not help them live better lives and will cost money that could be used on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.
Some NHS services on the other hand are exceptional and offer a professional and complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, that is renowned throughout the country for its adult ADHD assessment and care. However, these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population, and they're unlikely to improve unless the government increases investment in mental health services.
Insurance
It's costly to undergo an in-depth ADHD assessment but it's well worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis can boost your living quality and help you in many areas, including your relationships at work and in other areas. Your insurance provider must be aware of any diagnosis to determine the best level of coverage for you.
If you have a private health insurance policy it is important to review check here its terms and conditions 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 companies won't pay the assessment fee, while others will. You should go over the terms and conditions carefully to find out what they cover.
GPs may refuse to refer patients for an ADHD evaluation for a variety of reasons but this isn't always justified. If your GP will not help then find a different. If your GP won't agree to a shared-care arrangement with you, you may have a second opinion in an ADHD clinic. There are also a variety of online ADHD assessments available, but these can be inaccurate.