Question: How Much Do You Know About Diagnosis ADHD?
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it effective?
Why do I require a private diagnostic?
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and provide the proper treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, and this could cause a lot of distress for those affected. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to get a private evaluation. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and told patients that they had ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you must fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then review your medical background and family history, as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. how to get diagnosed with adhd will also perform a physical exam and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with a request for a'shared-care agreement'. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long to seek out private specialists to assess their condition. This could save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. This will include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who conducts the assessment will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD scales of rating, and may request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When evaluating adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to disrupt the demands of work or at home. They will also look to determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your professional and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can decide to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication in this way. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and because it's costly.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain why. It could be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your issues or they believe that a different condition can explain your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with this decision you may seek an additional opinion from a different clinician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your physician may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the people involved, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limit.
GPs are trying to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put patients in danger. This is a national catastrophe and a real reason to think about alternative options.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is a member of a minority group or was a female at birth or has any other health or social issues that affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.
We can assist you if feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your problems. Contact us or request an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to Choose' pathway which is a lot quicker.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and some validated tests. This will help your physician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential that you provide honest and truthful information.
If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before you make a decision, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may be dangerous if taken incorrectly.
If you decide to use medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for. It is also important to remember that there are 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 a lot of debate especially because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is an actual science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.