Why You'll Definitely Want To Read More About Diagnosis ADHD

ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. 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 is it really effective?

Why do I need an individual diagnostic?

If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can assess your condition and provide the necessary treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you time and money in the end.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.

It's not a surprise, then, that more adults choose to get a private evaluation. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients that they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not.

A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results will assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.

The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will send documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be necessary.

What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?

A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private providers for their assessment. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a physical exam and tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales and ask your caregivers or teachers to rate you.

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 serious enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your work and social life history to rule out problems like financial hardship, a 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 can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their decision.

People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive.

What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?

Remember that your doctor must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you.

If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain the reason. You may have not provided enough details about your struggles or they may think that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome you may more info seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure.

It is important to remember that your physician may find the assessment process difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. This is not because of the individuals involved, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limits.

GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to consider alternatives.

It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group or was a female at birth or has other social and health issues that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.

We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your issues. You can call us or make an appointment online to discuss how we can help.

What happens if I don't want to take medication?

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right to choose' pathway which is quicker.

Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to understand the way these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The clinician will consider your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential that you give accurate and truthful responses.

If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. The effects of a medication last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects if taken incorrectly.

If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it might be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked controversy, particularly because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as a science. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to pay for a private assessment.