ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately

With wait times for service at an all-time high and the need for private adult ADHD assessments are becoming more popular. Those registered in England with a GP can choose to be referred privately by using 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 one million adults have undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are increasing. In certain areas, it could take up to seven years to make an appointment for an assessment. A few prominent people have been vocal about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However many adults in need of an assessment are forced to seek assistance privately.

In some cases patients were told they'd have wait for 18 months before they could get a prescription for ADHD medication. The shortage of staff within the public health system is to blame. The problem is especially acute in Greater Manchester where service providers are struggling to meet demand. Referrals are the 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 a long wait for patients.

A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate on the way private clinics diagnosis ADHD. A journalist undercover visited three private clinics and was deemed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics speed through assessments and prescribe powerful medications without providing proper advice about side effects. Despite these claims however, the BBC report has been criticized for its inability to focus its attention on the bigger issues surrounding the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.

The NHS currently has a backlog of more than 10,000 adult ADHD patients. This is due to increased awareness and a growing number of people seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand is even exceeding the capacity of NHS services and some areas are being unable to offer an assessment at all. If you are fortunate enough to be able to access an assessment through the NHS have long wait times for treatment.

There are a variety of ways to cut their waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis. The first is to speak to their GP and explain why they think that they might be suffering from the disorder. Their GP should be concerned and refer them to an assessment.

Psychiatrists

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it can be frustrating. The NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for ADHD tests. This has led to a lot of short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always accurate and can lead to a incorrect diagnosis.

When seeking a diagnosis of ADHD it is crucial to consult an expert psychiatrist who specializes in this type of condition. A general practitioner or psychologist may not possess the knowledge, skills and experience required to recognize ADHD. If you are unsure who to contact, check with the local mental health services for an approved list of providers. You can request your GP for a referral to a specialist. This is the quickest method of receiving an ADHD assessment.

There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking assistance for the disorder. There is no cure for the disorder but there are treatments which can ease symptoms. This includes psychiatric medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. Some people also take supplements to help reduce symptoms.

A specialist psychiatrist in ADHD can help you find the best treatment to treat your symptoms. They will evaluate you for symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, problems with working memory, poor sleeping habits and emotional dysregulation. They will also ask about your childhood, and your family history. They will then devise an individual plan for you that may include psychotherapy, medication or the combination of both.

You can make a legal decision in the event that your GP suggests an adult ADHD assessment in England. You can utilize this Right to Choose service to select a clinic offering NHS assessments in your location. Alternatively, you can also avail the services of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and shorter waiting times.

The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have combined experience of more than 23 years of providing holistic psychiatric assessment and psychotherapeutic treatments for adults. They specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with other presenting issues like anxiety and depression.

Costs

There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD tests is increasing and is expected to continue. It is partly down to the increased awareness of the condition, an underfunded NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming more widespread. Many sufferers are aware of the harm that untreated ADHD could do to their relationships and careers and are willing to pay to get diagnosed to receive treatment.

The BBC Panorama documentary, which focused on the issue of private ADHD clinics, raised the issue that some companies are exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary from BBC Panorama revealed that some private clinics charge patients thousands of pounds for poor assessments and inadequate aftercare. This is a serious problem that the government needs to address.

At present, the NHS lets adults choose the psychiatrist they want to see for a diagnostic appointment. However, this option is often restricted to certain NHS health regions and to doctors who have agreements with these providers. In the end, GPs are often overwhelmed with this task and may not be able to provide a complete service to adults with ADHD. This has led to a growth in private ADHD assessment services, which are typically less expensive than NHS appointments.

Some of these private services are excellent However, some aren't as dependable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which can lead patients to become overly concerned with their symptoms. This won't improve their lives, and could cost money that could have been used for other services such as anxiety or depression.

Some NHS services however are excellent and offer a professional, comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a nationally acclaimed center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Even these services are having to cope with the demands of increasing numbers of patients.

Insurance

A private ADHD assessment can be costly, but it may be worth it if in a position to pay for it. The diagnosis can boost your quality of living website and help you in many areas such as your work and relationships. You should inform your insurance provider of any diagnosis so they can help you determine the right level of cover for you.

Examine your policy's terms & conditions to determine whether it covers ADHD tests. Axa PPP (private healthcare provider), Aviva (private health insurance provider), Bupa (private health insurance provider) and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some companies will not be required to pay the assessment cost, while others will. It is essential to study the terms and conditions carefully to fully understand what they cover.

GPs might not be able to refer patients for an ADHD evaluation for different reasons however this isn't always the case. If your GP isn't willing to assist you, try to find another one. If your GP won't sign a shared-care agreement with you to prescribe medication, it is possible to seek a second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are several online ADHD tests available however, they can be inaccurate.