Who's The World's Top Expert On Diagnosis ADHD
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really working?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a doctor who can evaluate your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns regarding the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. inattention feel that the NHS assessment services are not as good as they could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to have a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they were not.
A private assessment will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires you must fill out and submit to the doctor. The screenings are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The doctor will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a request for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private specialists for their assessment. 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 specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination and tests, such as hearing and vision. This will include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family history and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also employ the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also check whether these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out problems such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. However, GPs have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the disorder and because it's expensive.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will explain the reasons why. You may not have provided enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with the outcome you may seek another opinion from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your doctor may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the individuals affected.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to think about alternatives.
It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other social or health situations that could influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us today or make an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help.
What happens if I don't want to take a medication?
You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send 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 assessment that is validated as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to understand the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will also 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 the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with an diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if used in a safe manner.
The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. You may be given ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. It is also important to remember that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We are hesitant to say that this isn't the case because we aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as a science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.