ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs following unreliable video assessments in private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. But is it really effective? Why do https://notes.io/wm9Cj need an individual diagnostic? If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. Furthermore, a lot of people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be. In light of these problems it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to go for a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they weren't. A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you are asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis. The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will forward paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is required. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long and look for private doctors to evaluate their situation. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing or vision. It will also include checklists 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 may also use the standard ADHD scales for rating and ask your teachers or caregivers to rate you. When assessing https://rentry.co/ , the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs within a period of six months that are serious enough to cause disruption in the demands of work or at home. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your professional and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse. During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they think that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. However, doctors have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and also because it's costly. What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis? It is important to remember that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you. If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. You may not have given enough details about your struggles, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints process. It is important to remember that your clinician might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and it's not the fault of the people who are involved. GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC. The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and an excellent reason to look at other options. It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are ethnically minorities or were born female or have other health and social circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit. If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your problems. You can call us or request an appointment online to find out what we can do to help. What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication? You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the centers that specialize in England or follow the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker. Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your clinician understand the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your past experiences and your family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers. If the clinician determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may be harmful if taken in a proper manner. The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a long duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for. It is important to also remember that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry barely a science. However, if you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to get a private assessment.