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 with a GP in England can use their "Right to Choose" and opt to be directed to a private service.<br /><br />This allows them to be assessed and diagnosed in a matter of months, as opposed to waiting for years on the NHS.<br /><br />Waiting several times<br /><br />A growing number of people are seeking a 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 rising. In some areas, it can take up to seven years for an assessment appointment to be available. Celebrities, such as Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins and Johnny Vegas have also spoken out about their experiences with the disease. Many adults who need an assessment must seek out help privately.<br /><br />In some cases patients have been told that they must wait up to 18 months for the prescription of ADHD medication. This is due to the shortage of staff in the public health system. This is especially true in Greater Manchester, where service providers are struggling to keep up with demand. The lack of a top-down approach to ADHD is to blame as services are overwhelmed by referrals. This has led to an outsourcing of adult ADHD assessments to private providers such as Psychiatry UK, resulting in lengthy waiting periods for patients.<br /><br />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 him with the condition. The BBC claims that these clinics speed through assessments and prescribe powerful medications without providing adequate advice about side effects. Despite these claims however, the BBC report has been criticized as failing to pay attention to the bigger issues surrounding the provision 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 the condition and the increasing number of people seeking for a diagnosis are to blame. The demand for NHS services has exceeded their capacity, and some areas are unable to offer an assessment. If you are fortunate enough to be able to access an assessment through the NHS face long waits for treatment.<br /><br />There are many methods to speed up the time required to wait for ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain the reason they think that they might be suffering from the condition. Their GP should take their concerns seriously and refer them to an assessment.<br /><br />Psychiatrists<br /><br />If you've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult the process can be a bit difficult. There is a huge demand for ADHD assessments, yet the NHS is struggling to meet it. This has led to a lot of short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. They aren't always reliable and could lead to an incorrect diagnosis.<br /><br /><br /><br />It is crucial to consult a psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD for a diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the knowledge or expertise required to diagnose. If you're not sure who to contact ask the local mental health services for a list of approved providers. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a specialist which is typically the quickest method to receive an ADHD assessment.<br /><br />There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many people are seeking help for the condition. While it is not possible to completely cure the condition, there are a number of treatments that can help improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medications as well as psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. Certain people also take supplements to help reduce symptoms.<br /><br />A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can assist you in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can evaluate your symptoms, including difficulties in concentrating, problems with memory, poor sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also request information about your childhood and your family history. Then, they'll develop a plan specifically tailored to your needs. This may include psychotherapy or medication.<br /><br />You have a legal choice when your GP suggests an adult ADHD assessment in England. This Right to Choose service allows you to select an area-specific clinic that offers NHS assessments. Alternatively, you can also make use of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics have much shorter waiting times and offer video calls.<br /><br />The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have a together more than 23 years of providing holistic psychiatric assessments as well as psychotherapeutic interventions to adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), alongside other issues that present like anxiety and depression.<br /><br />Costs<br /><br />There is no doubt that the demand for private ADHD assessments is growing and is set to continue. It is due to the increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and the fact that mental health issues are becoming more common. In addition, many patients can see the damage that untreated ADHD can do to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay for a diagnosis so they can receive treatment.<br /><br />The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics raised concerns about companies exploiting vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama revealed that some private clinics charge people thousands of pounds to receive mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue, and it is something that needs to be addressed by the government.<br /><br />Currently, adults can choose the psychiatrist they would like to visit to make an appointment. However, this option is often restricted to certain NHS health regions and GPs with contracts with these providers. They may be overwhelmed and unable to provide a complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.<br /><br />While some of these private companies perform well but others aren't as reliable or professional as the NHS. Some of these services are even charging for the diagnosis itself and there is a danger that this can lead to patients who are apprehensive about their symptoms. This will not help them live better lives and will cost money that could be used on other services, like those for depression or anxiety.<br /><br />Some NHS services however, are exemplary, and offer a professional, complete service for adults suffering from ADHD. Maudsley Hospital, in London, is a nationally recognized center for adult ADHD assessment and treatment. However, these services are struggling to cope with the demands of a rapidly growing patient population, and they are unlikely to change unless the government improves investment in mental health care.<br /><br />Insurance<br /><br />A private ADHD evaluation can be costly however it could be worth it if you're in a position to afford it. The diagnosis is crucial to your well-being and can help you improve many areas of your life such as work and relationships. You must inform your insurance provider of any medical condition so that they can help you determine the best level of protection for you.<br /><br />Examine your policy's terms &amp; conditions to determine if it covers ADHD assessments. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-assessments/">adhd private assessment IamPsychiatry</a> (private healthcare provider), Aviva (private health insurance provider), Bupa (private health insurance provider) and Vitality Health all have different policies. Some companies won't pay the assessment fee, while others will. You should read the terms and conditions attentively to learn what they cover.<br /><br />GPs may refuse to recommend patients for an ADHD evaluation for different reasons, but this is not always a valid reason. If your GP does not want to help you, try to find another one. If your doctor won't agree to a shared-care arrangement with you, you can have a second opinion in an ADHD clinic. There are several online ADHD tests that are available however, they can be inaccurate.<br /><br />