5 Clarifications Regarding Diagnosis ADHD
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work?
Why do coping strategies need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a professional who can assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those affected. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be.
It's not a surprise, then that more people choose to undergo a private examination. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients they were ADHD when they weren't.
A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questions that you must fill out and submit to the doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will submit paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if required.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long and seek out private providers to evaluate their condition. This can help save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate 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 physical exam and tests, such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family background and your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD scales of rating and request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in the family or work environment. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your social and work background to rule out issues such as financial hardship, the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you don't meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.
If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It could be that you haven't provided enough information about your struggles, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with this decision you may seek another opinion from a different clinician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS care waiting times for an assessment could be long and it's worth considering that your clinician may find the process difficult. This isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a solid and safe, fair and fair service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and an excellent reason to look at alternative options.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities or born female or have other social or health circumstances that influence how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to offer support and treatment for your problems. You can call us or make an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to recommend you to one of the centers for specialists in England or go through the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include a validated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician understand how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is crucial that you provide truthful and accurate information.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can give you an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication before making an informed 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, your psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the length of time you have been experiencing them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy in particular because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as a science. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to take out a private assessment.