The Next Big Event In The Diagnosis ADHD Industry
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed strong medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private examination. But does it actually work?
Why do I require a private diagnostic?
If you or someone you know has ADHD You should seek out a professional who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe the best 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 about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Many people also feel that the NHS assessment services are not as good as they could be.
In the face of these challenges, it's not surprising that more people are opting to seek an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone, and were telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.
A private assessment will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires you are asked to complete and return to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then conduct a detailed assessment of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is needed.
What happens if I don't get an appointment?
A good diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private providers to determine their health. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This may include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales for rating and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to give you a score.
When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs over six months that are serious enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. adult adhd diagnosis will also check if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also evaluate your professional and social history to rule out problems like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision.
If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication this way. However, doctors have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and also because it's costly.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain why. You may have not provided enough details about your struggles or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or access NHS care, the wait time for an appointment can be long and it's important to consider that your clinician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must make sure they provide a reliable, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and an excellent reason to consider other options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to receive an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female at birth or has other social and health issues that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to offer support and treatment for your issues. Contact us today or request an appointment online to discuss how we can help.
What happens when you don't want me to take my medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without taking medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to recommend you to one of the specialist centers in England or use the 'Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinical interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your physician understand the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. The effects of a medication last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.
The doctor will issue you the prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a long duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've experienced them. It is also important to be aware of other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, particularly because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry rarely is an academic discipline. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS wait times, it is possible to take out a private assessment.