Question: How Much Do You Know About Diagnosis ADHD?
Question: How Much Do You Know About Diagnosis ADHD?
Blog Article
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it work?
Why do I need an individual diagnosis?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can accurately assess your health and provide the appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS, a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.
There are some concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. Many people feel that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
In the light of these challenges, it's not surprising that more adults are opting to go for an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone, and were telling patients that they had ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you are asked to complete and return to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history, as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while also seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family history and social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They may also employ the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may need to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to affect the home or in the workplace. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also review your work and social life history to rule out problems like financial hardship or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug misuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication this way. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the disorder and because it's expensive.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet 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're not happy with the outcome then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or access NHS care waiting times for an assessment could be long and it's worth considering that your doctor might find the process frustrating. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a reliable, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to look at alternatives.
It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other health and social circumstances that can affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can assist you if feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your concerns. You can call us or make an appointment online to find out how we can help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not need to take any medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to Choose' pathway, which is much faster.
Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician understand how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner.
The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a long duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time here you've experienced these symptoms for. It is also important to 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 diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient evaluations of clinical conditions. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen because we are inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to take out a private assessment.