Five Essential Qualities Customers Are Searching For In Every Diagnosis ADHD
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
adhd diagnosis adults waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But does it actually work?
Why do I need a private diagnosis?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can evaluate your condition and provide the proper treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.
There are some concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those affected. Many believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as effective as they could be.
In the face of these issues it's not a surprise that more people are opting to go for an appointment with a private physician. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics ran tests over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose.
The doctor will then review your medical background and family history as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. 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 get a diagnosis?
A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and difficult. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private specialists to assess their health. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could 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 ask about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales for rating and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to evaluate you.
When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out problems like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication this way. However, doctors have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and because it is expensive.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees 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 do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain why. You may not have provided enough details about your issues, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the decision you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your physician may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and this isn't the fault of the people who are involved.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must be sure they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which can put people in danger. This is a national scandal and a compelling reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to be given the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other social or health circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your issues. Contact us today or make an appointment online to learn how we can help.
What happens If you don't wish me to take my medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without taking medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or by the 'Right to choose option, which is much quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your clinician determine how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The doctor will take into consideration your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential that you provide truthful and accurate information.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.
The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. However, it is also important to remember that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this isn't the case because we aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could make sense to pay for an assessment.