ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately

With service wait times at an all time high, 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 Choose' and request to be sent to a private company.

This enables them to be assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, instead of waiting for years on the NHS.

Waiting at various times

A growing number of people are seeking the diagnosis of ADHD. It is estimated that over one million adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are increasing. In some areas, it can take as long as seven years for an appointment to be available. Famous people, like 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 told that they have to wait up to 18 months before receiving an appointment for ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is to blame. The issue is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with demand. The lack 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 firms like Psychiatry UK, resulting in long waiting periods for patients.

A BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over how private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation involved an undercover journalist who visited three private clinics. All of them diagnosed the patient with the condition. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through tests and prescribe powerful drugs without providing adequate advice about the adverse effects. Despite these claims the BBC's report has been criticised for not focusing on the wider issues that surround the delivery 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 seeking for a diagnosis are to blame. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services in some areas, and they are unable to provide an assessment even. The lucky ones to be able to access an assessment through the NHS have long wait times for treatment.

There are a variety of ways for people to reduce the time they wait to receive an ADHD diagnosis. First, they must talk to their GP to discuss the reasons they believe they may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned and refer them to an assessment.

Psychiatrists

If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the process can be difficult. There is a high demand for ADHD assessments, yet the NHS is unable to meet it. This has lead to a lot of short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These aren't always reliable and could lead to a incorrect diagnosis.

It is essential to speak with a psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD for a diagnosis. A general practitioner or a psychologist may not possess the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to diagnose ADHD. If you're unsure of which one to go to, check with your local mental health service for a list of approved providers. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is usually the fastest method of getting an ADHD assessment.

ADHD is becoming more common, and a lot of people seek help. While it isn't possible to cure the condition but there are a number of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication and psychotherapy as well as lifestyle adjustments. Some people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.

A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate your symptoms for difficulty in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood, and your family history. They will then devise a personalised plan for you that may include psychotherapy, medication, or an amalgamation of both.

You have a legal choice if your GP refers you to an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use the Right to Choose service to select a clinic that offers NHS assessments in your location. You can also use a private clinic to do NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and offer shorter waiting times.

The Psychiatrists from Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have a combined experience of more than 23 years of providing holistic psychiatric assessments and psychotherapeutic treatments for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), alongside other issues such as depression and anxiety.

Costs

There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is increasing and the trend is set to continue. It is partly down to increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. Additionally, many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD can do to their lives and relationships, and private healthcare adhd assessment are prepared to pay for a diagnosis so they can get treatment.

The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics brought up concerns about businesses that exploit vulnerable patients. The documentary revealed that certain private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for mediocre assessment services, and poor aftercare. This is a serious concern and is something that must be addressed by the government.

Presently, adults can select which psychiatrist they want to consult to make an appointment. This option is typically restricted to a few NHS health regions, or to doctors who have contracts with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and are unable to provide full-service for adults suffering from ADHD. This has led to an increase in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.

Some of these private services are good, but others are not as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services are charging for the diagnosis, and there is a danger that this could lead to patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. This won't improve their lives and cause a loss of money that could be used for other services like anxiety or depression.

Some NHS services however are excellent and provide a professional and comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is nationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and care. Even these facilities are having to cope with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population.

Insurance

It can be costly to undergo an in-depth ADHD assessment however it's worth it if you can afford. The diagnosis can boost your living conditions and help you in many areas, including your relationships and work. Your insurance provider should be informed of any diagnosis in order to determine the best level of coverage for you.

Review your policy's terms and conditions to determine if the policy covers ADHD tests. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health each have their own policies. Some of them will not cover the exam, but others will. You should go over the terms and conditions carefully to understand what they cover.

GPs might not be able to send patients to an ADHD assessment for various reasons but this isn't always a valid reason. If your GP will not help, find another. If your doctor won't sign a shared-care contract with you, you can seek a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are many online ADHD tests available, but they can be incorrect.