ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately

With wait times for service at an all time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Those registered in England with a GP are able to opt to be referred privately by using their 'Right of Choice'.

This allows patients to be diagnosed and assessed in a matter of months, which is a far cry from 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 suffer from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and wait times for NHS assessments are soaring. In certain regions, it could take as long as seven years for an appointment to be available. High-profile individuals, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas, have also spoken out about their experiences with the condition. Many adults who need an assessment must seek out help privately.

In some cases patients have been informed that they must wait for up to 18 months before receiving an appointment for ADHD medication. This is due to the shortage of staff in the public health system. The problem is particularly acute in Greater Manchester where service providers struggle to meet demand. The lack of a top-down strategy to treat ADHD is the cause as services are overwhelmed by referrals. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private providers like Psychiatry UK, resulting in long waiting periods for patients.

A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about how private clinics diagnose ADHD. An undercover journalist toured three private clinics and was deemed with ADHD by all. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are speeding through assessments and prescribing powerful medications without offering proper advice about possible side consequences. However, the BBC's report has been criticised for failing to focus on the wider issues that surround the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.

The NHS currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. The increased awareness of the condition and the increasing number of people who seek a diagnosis are to blame. The demand for NHS services has surpassed their capacity, and some areas are unable to offer an assessment. For those fortunate enough to be able to get 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 waiting time for an ADHD diagnoses. First, they should speak to their GP to explain why they believe they may be suffering from ADHD. Their GP must take their concerns seriously and refer them to an examination.

Psychiatrists

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be frustrating. There is a huge demand for ADHD assessments, but the NHS is unable to meet it. This has led to numerous short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always reliable and could lead to an incorrect diagnosis.

If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is crucial to find an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this type of condition. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the knowledge or expertise required to make a diagnosis. If you're not sure whom to ask, consult your local mental health center for a list. You could also request your GP to refer you to a specialist which is usually the fastest method to receive an ADHD assessment.

There is a growing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking assistance for the disorder. While it is not possible to completely cure the condition however, there are a variety of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. In addition, some people are taking supplements to help reduce the symptoms.

A psychiatrist with a specialization in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They will evaluate 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 an individual plan for you which could include psychotherapy, medication, or an amalgamation of both.

You can make a legal decision when your GP recommends an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can use the Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your location. Alternately, you can use the services of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics have shorter waiting times and also offer video website calls.

The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney, have combined experience of more than 23 years providing holistic psychiatric assessments as well as psychotherapeutic interventions for adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in addition to other issues such as anxiety and depression.

Costs

The demand for private ADHD assessment is increasing and is expected to continue. It is partly down to the increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and a world in which 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 in order to receive treatment.

The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics raised concerns about companies exploiting vulnerable patients. The programme exposed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for subpar assessment services, and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue that the government must tackle.

The NHS allows adults to select which psychiatrist to visit for a diagnosis appointment. However, this option is often restricted to specific NHS health regions and GPs who have contracts with these providers. The GPs are often overwhelmed and not able to provide a full service for adults suffering from ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.

While certain private services are good at what they do however, some aren't as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which could cause patients to be overly concerned with their symptoms. This won't help them live better lives and will cause a loss of money that could be spent on other services, such as those for depression or anxiety.

Certain NHS services on the other hand, are exemplary, and offer a professional and complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. These include the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is internationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and care. Even these facilities are struggling with the demand of an ever-growing patient population.

Insurance

A private ADHD evaluation can be costly but it can be worth it if in a position to afford it. The diagnosis can enhance your quality of living 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 protection for you.

If you are a member of a private health insurance policy be sure to check the terms and conditions of the policy to determine if it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private healthcare providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health each have their own policies. Some companies will not pay the assessment fee, while others will. It is crucial to review the terms and conditions carefully to know what they cover.

GPs might not be able to send patients to an ADHD assessment due to different reasons but this isn't always the case. If your GP is unable to assist then find a different. If your GP isn't willing to agree to a shared-care arrangement with you, you may seek a second opinion at an ADHD clinic. There are many online ADHD tests to choose from, but they can be inaccurate.