With service wait times at an all time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. Those registered in England with a GP can choose to be referred privately making use of their 'Right of Choice'.
This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, which is a far cry from waiting for years on the NHS.
Waiting several times
A increasing number of people are seeking the diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that more than a million adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and the waiting times for NHS assessments are soaring. In some regions, it could take up to seven years for an appointment to be available. Some high-profile individuals have expressed their opinions about the condition, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However many people in need of a diagnosis are forced to seek help privately.
In some cases patients have been informed that they will have to wait up to 18 months for an appointment for ADHD medication. The shortage of staff within the public health system is at fault. The issue is particularly acute in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to cope with the demands. Referrals are a result of the lack of a top-down approach for ADHD. This has led to the outsourcing of adult ADHD evaluation to private providers like Psychiatry UK. The result is a long wait for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation was conducted by an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics. All of them diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through tests and prescribe powerful medication without offering proper advice on adverse effects. Despite these claims, the BBC report has been criticized as 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 over 10,000 adult ADHD patients. This is a result of increased awareness and a growing number of people seeking to diagnose the condition. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services in some areas, and they are not able to offer an assessment at all. If you are fortunate enough to receive an assessment from the NHS are faced with long waits for treatment.
There are a variety of ways that people can cut their waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain the reason they believe they may have the condition. Their GP should be concerned and send them to an assessment.
Psychiatrists
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be frustrating. There is a lot of demand for ADHD assessments, but the NHS is struggling to meet it. This has lead to a lot of shortcuts, ranging from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always reliable and could result in an incorrect diagnosis.
If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is essential to seek out a psychiatrist that is specialized in this type of condition. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the necessary knowledge or expertise required to determine a diagnosis. If you're unsure who to contact, ask your local mental health center for an alphabetical list. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is typically the quickest method to receive an ADHD assessment.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and a lot of people are seeking help for the condition. Although it isn't possible to completely cure the disorder however, there are a variety of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicine psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. In addition, some people are taking supplements to treat the symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your symptoms, including difficulties concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood, as well as your family history. They will then create a personalised plan for you that may include medication, psychotherapy or an amalgamation of both.
If you're referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England, you have a legal right select the right provider. You can utilize this Right to Choose service to select a clinic that offers NHS assessments in your region. Alternatively, you can also use the services of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and offer shorter waiting times.
The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessments to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) along with other issues that present like depression and anxiety.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is on the rise and is expected to increase. It is due to the increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming increasingly common. Many patients are aware of the potential damage that untreated ADHD could cause to their career and relationships and are willing to pay to be diagnosed to receive treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics brought up concerns about businesses that exploit vulnerable patients. The BBC Panorama documentary revealed that some private clinics charge people thousands of pounds to receive poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care. This is a serious concern and something that must be addressed by the government.
Adults can currently choose the psychiatrist they would like to see to make an appointment. his response is usually limited to specific NHS health regions, or to doctors who have contracts with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and not able to provide full-service for adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have risen in popularity, as they are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are excellent however, others aren't as reliable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis, and there is a risk that this could lead to patients who are too concerned about their symptoms. This will not help them live better lives and will cost money that could be used on other services, such as those for depression or anxiety.
However, some NHS services are excellent and provide a professional and comprehensive 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 cope with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population, and they're unlikely to improve unless the government improves investment in mental health care.
Insurance
It can be costly to undergo a private ADHD assessment, but it's worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis can boost your living conditions and aid you in a variety of areas including your work and relationships. Your insurance provider should be informed of any diagnosis in order to determine the most appropriate level of protection for you.
If you are a member of a private health insurance policy it is important to review 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 of them will not cover the exam, but others will. You should go over the terms and conditions attentively to find out what they cover.
GPs may refuse to send patients to an ADHD assessment for different reasons however this isn't always a valid reason. If your GP is unwilling to help, find another. If your GP won't sign a shared-care agreement with you for medication, you may want to seek an additional opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are a number of online ADHD assessments, however these can be inaccurate.
