5 Clarifications On Diagnosis ADHD
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should consult a specialist who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are some concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Many believe that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
It's not surprising, then that more people choose to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment typically begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then conduct a thorough review of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and then given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'shared care agreement'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be necessary.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and look for private doctors to determine their condition. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family history and medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales and may want to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out problems like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their decision.
People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. You may have not given enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the outcome, you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints process.
It's important to consider that your clinician may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the individuals affected.
GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they offer a robust, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national scourge and a compelling reason to consider alternatives.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to be given an assessment. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other social and health situations that could affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to assist. iampsychiatry.uk have experience diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a phone to discuss what we can do to assist.
What happens if I don't want to take a medication?
You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't need to take any medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or by the 'Right To Choose option which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include a validated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to understand the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the doctor decides that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. The effects of medication are long-term, and can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.
The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the length of time you have been experiencing them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is important to also be aware of other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked controversy, in particular because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an actual science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.