The One Diagnosis ADHD Mistake That Every Beginner Makes
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?
Why do I need an individual diagnostic?
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can assess your condition and provide the proper treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Many people also feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.
It's not a surprise, then, that more adults choose to have a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they weren't.
A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not you need to 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. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if required.
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 can be lengthy and difficult. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private providers for their evaluation. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. adhd diagnosis for adults could include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to evaluate you.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to affect work or family life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties, a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can access medication in this way. However, GPs have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the disorder and because it is expensive.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain why. It may be because you did not provide enough details about your issues or they believe another condition explains your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with this choice you may seek another opinion from a different physician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your doctor may find the assessment process difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. This isn't due to the patients involved, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limit.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a valid reason to think about alternative options.
It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to be given an assessment. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social or health circumstances that affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us today or make an appointment online to learn how we can assist you.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without taking medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers that specialize in England or follow the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and some validated tests. This will allow your doctor to understand the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The doctor will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is essential that you provide truthful and accurate information.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD They can give you an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is crucial to think about the implications of taking any medication prior to making a decision. The effects of medication are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects if taken incorrectly.
The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take a medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry hardly is a science. However, if you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to get an individual assessment.