Why Is Diagnosis ADHD So Famous?
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as effective as they could be.
In the light of these problems it's not surprising that more adults are opting to seek an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and telling patients that they had ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with a request for a'shared-care agreement'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be necessary.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate 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 can't wait that long and instead turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This can help save time and stress, but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical exam and tests such as hearing or vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family background and medical and social history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also utilize standard ADHD ratings scales, and may need to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more signs over six months that are severe enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their decision.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication this way. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.
If adhd diagnose determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. You may have not given enough details about your struggles, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from another clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or access NHS care waiting times for an appointment can be lengthy, and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people involved.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national scandal and a compelling reason to think about alternatives.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are ethnically minorities or were born female or have other social and health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your issues. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out what we can do to help.
What happens when you don't want me take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without the need for medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England or via the 'Right To Choose route which is more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your personal experiences as well as 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 the doctor will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.
If you decide to use medication, the psychiatrist will give you a plan and a prescription. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. It is important to also remember that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry barely is a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.