You'll Never Guess This Diagnosis ADHD's Secrets
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work?
Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you love has ADHD, you should seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe best treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS but a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are some concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Many believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose.
The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history, as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is necessary.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private professionals for an assessment. This can save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD rating scales, and may ask your caregivers or teachers to evaluate you.
When evaluating adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs within a period of six months that are severe enough to interfere with the demands of work or at home. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication this way. However, doctors have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and because it's expensive.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. I Am Psychiatry will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain why. It could be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your issues or they believe that a different condition can explain your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with this decision you may seek an additional opinion from a different physician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or access NHS healthcare, the wait time for an assessment can be long and it's worth pondering the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the individuals affected.
GPs also have to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must make sure they offer a robust, fair and safe service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics use shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put people in danger. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to look at alternative options.
It is important to remember that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to be given the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other health and social situations that could affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
We can help if you think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. You can make an appointment online or give us a an email to find out how we might be able to assist.
What happens if you don't wish me to take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis 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 for specialists in England or go through the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your clinician understand the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The doctor will take into account your previous experiences and family history. It is essential to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.
The psychiatrist will provide you with an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've experienced these symptoms for. It is essential to keep in mind that there are 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 that people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We're not sure that this does not happen, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry barely a science. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS wait times, it is possible to get a private assessment.