ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately<br /><br />With service wait times at an all time high, private adult ADHD assessments are becoming increasingly popular. Anyone who is registered in England with a GP are able to opt to be referred privately making use of their 'Right of Choice'.<br /><br />This allows them to get assessed and diagnosed within a couple of months, as opposed to waiting for years on the NHS.<br /><br />Waiting at various times<br /><br />An increasing number of people are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD. It is estimated that over one million adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD in the UK and the waiting times for NHS assessments are soaring. In some areas, it can take as long as seven years for an assessment 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 disease. However many people who require a diagnosis are forced to seek assistance privately.<br /><br />In a few instances, patients have been told that they have to wait up to 18 months for an appointment for ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is the reason. The issue is particularly severe in Greater Manchester where service providers struggle to meet the demand. Referrals result from the lack of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private firms such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in lengthy waiting periods for patients.<br /><br />A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about the method by which private clinics diagnose ADHD. The investigation was conducted by an undercover journalist who went to three private clinics, and all of them diagnosed ADHD in him. The BBC has claimed that these clinics are speeding through tests and prescribing dangerous medications without offering proper advice about possible side effects. Despite these claims the BBC's report has come under fire for not focusing on the wider issues surrounding the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.<br /><br />The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. The increasing awareness of ADHD and the increasing number of people who seek a diagnosis are to blame. The demand for NHS services has exceeded the capacity of the service, and some regions are not able to provide an assessment. Those who are lucky enough to receive an assessment from the NHS have long wait times for treatment.<br /><br />There are a variety of ways to reduce the waiting time for an ADHD diagnoses. The first is to speak to their GP and explain why they believe they may be suffering from the disorder. <a href="https://telegra.ph/15-Of-The-Most-Popular-Private-Diagnosis-Of-ADHD-Bloggers-You-Must-Follow-01-30">private adhd assessments</a> should be concerned and send them to an assessment.<br /><br />Psychiatrists<br /><br />The process of being diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrating for adults. There is a lot of demand for ADHD assessments, yet the NHS is struggling to meet the demand. This has led to numerous shortcuts, ranging from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always reliable and could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis.<br /><br /><br /><br />It is crucial to consult a psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD when seeking an assessment. A general practitioner or psychologist might not have the necessary knowledge or expertise required to make a diagnosis. If you're not sure who to contact ask the local mental health services for the list of approved providers. You may also request your GP to refer you to a specialist, which is usually the fastest way to get an ADHD assessment.<br /><br />There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many people are seeking help for the disorder. While it isn't possible to treat the disorder however, there are a variety of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicine and psychotherapy as well as lifestyle adjustments. In addition, some people are also taking supplements to reduce the symptoms.<br /><br />A specialist psychiatrist in ADHD can assist you in finding the best treatment to treat your symptoms. They can assess you for signs such as difficulty concentrating, problems with working memory, poor sleeping habits, and emotional dysregulation. They'll also want details about your childhood as well as your family history. They will then devise an individual plan for you, which could include medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.<br /><br />If you're referred to an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England you have a legal right to choose which provider to see. This Right to Choose service allows you to select a clinic in your area that provides NHS assessments. Alternatively, you can also avail the services of private clinics that provide NHS assessments. These clinics provide video calls and have shorter waiting times.<br /><br />The Psychiatrists at Anchor Psychiatry Group in Norfolk and Waveney have more than 23 years of experience in providing holistic psychotherapeutic and psychiatric assessments to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) as well as other presenting issues like anxiety and depression.<br /><br />Costs<br /><br />There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing, and this trend is set to continue. This is partly due to increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and a world in which mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. Many patients are aware of the damage that untreated ADHD could do to their career and relationships and are willing to pay to be diagnosed in order to receive treatment.<br /><br />The BBC Panorama documentary, which looked at 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 mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a major issue and something that needs to be addressed by the government.<br /><br />At present, the NHS allows adults to select which psychiatrist to see for a diagnosis appointment. This option is usually restricted to specific NHS health regions or to doctors who have contracts with these providers. GPs may be overworked and unable to provide a full service for adults suffering from ADHD. Private ADHD assessment services have risen in popularity since they are usually cheaper than NHS appointments.<br /><br />While certain private services are good at what they do but others aren't as reliable or as professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for diagnosis, which can lead patients to become overly concerned with their symptoms. This won't help patients live a better life, and it will also cost money that could be spent on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.<br /><br />Some NHS services on the other hand, are exemplary, and offer a professional, comprehensive service for adults with ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London is a well-known center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. However, even these services are struggling to cope with the demands of a rapidly expanding patient population, and they're unlikely to improve unless the government increases investment in mental health services.<br /><br />Insurance<br /><br />A private ADHD assessment can be expensive but it can be worth it if you're in a position to afford it. The diagnosis can boost your quality of living and help you in many areas including your work and relationships. You should inform your insurance provider of any diagnosis so they can assist you in determining the best level of protection for you.<br /><br />If you have an insurance policy for private health be sure to check 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. Certain companies do not have to be required to pay the assessment cost, while others will. It is important to review the terms and conditions carefully to know what they cover.<br /><br />Doctors may refuse to refer a patient to an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons. However, this is not always the situation. If your GP isn't willing to help you, try to find another one. If your GP won't sign a shared care contract with you to prescribe medication, it is possible to seek a second opinion from an ADHD clinic. There are also several online ADHD assessments that are available, but they can be incorrect.<br /><br />