ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really effective? Why do I require an individual diagnostic? If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run. There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. https://anotepad.com/notes/dfmfsapc believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient 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 serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics ran assessments over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they weren't. A private assessment typically begins with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis. The clinician will then conduct a thorough examination of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. After you've been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, if necessary. What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question? If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private specialists to evaluate their situation. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical exam and tests like hearing or vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also employ standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too. When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also assess your work and social background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this information with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. However, doctors have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the disorder and because it's costly. What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis? Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other treatment options that are more appropriate for you. If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain why. It could be because you did not provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe that a different condition can explain your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you are not happy with the outcome then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure. If you choose to go private or use NHS care, the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. This is not because of the individuals involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to the limit. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC. The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to look at alternative options. It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to be given an assessment. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has other health or social issues that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. We can help you if think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can offer support and treatment for your problems. You can schedule an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss what we can do to help. What happens when you don't want me to take my medication? If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without a prescription. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to send you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. The doctor will consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to provide truthful and accurate information. If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be in a position to give you a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. The effects of medications are long-term, and can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment. When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will give you an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Depending on the severity your symptoms and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is also important to be aware of 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 sparked a lot of debate in particular because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be beneficial to pay for an assessment.