Why You Should Be Working On This Diagnosis ADHD
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really working?
Why do I need an individual diagnostic?
If you or someone you love has ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns regarding the capacity 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, and this can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. Many people feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.
In the face of these challenges it's not surprising that more adults are opting to go for a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics ran tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they were not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose.
The physician will then conduct a detailed assessment of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork 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 when needed.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?

In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private providers for their assessment. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical exam and tests such as hearing or vision. This could include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history and social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD scales for rating, and may request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. adhd private diagnosis uk will also look to determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your work and social life history to rule out problems such as financial hardship or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.
People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication in this way. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.
If your clinician finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. It may be because you did not give enough detail about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the decision you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or use NHS care the wait time for an appointment can be long and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. This isn't because of the individuals involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limit.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, and also meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a real reason to think about other options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to be given a diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is a member of a minority group or was a female when they were born. birth or has other social and health issues which can affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.
We can help if you find your life negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us or make an appointment online to learn how we can help.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
You can get a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or via the 'Right to choose' pathway which is a lot more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to determine the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD They can give you a 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 can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner.
If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. You may be given ADHD medication for a long duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've experienced these symptoms for. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen because we are inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS wait times, then it is possible to take out an assessment with a private practitioner.