ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs following unreliable video assessments at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective? Why do I need a private diagnostic? If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a specialist who can assess your condition and provide you with the proper treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS but an individual diagnosis can 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 for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this could cause a lot of distress for those suffering. Many believe that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be. In the face of these issues it's not surprising that more people are opting to go for a private assessment. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics ran tests over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't. A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose. The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. After you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. https://telegra.ph/How-Diagnosing-ADHD-In-Adults-Is-A-Secret-Life-Secret-Life-Of-Diagnosing-ADHD-In-Adults-09-04 can also visit your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be required. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis. A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a physical examination and tests, such as hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They may also use standardized ADHD rating scales and may need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too. 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 severe enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as alcohol and drug abuse. During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their decision. Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's costly. What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis? It's worth remembering that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you. If your clinician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will explain the reasons why. https://writeablog.net/tinflesh51/why-you-should-concentrate-on-the-improvement-of-getting-diagnosed-with-adhd could be that you haven't provided enough information about your difficulties or they may think that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with this choice you may seek another opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure. If you choose to go private or use NHS healthcare the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy and it's important to consider that your doctor may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the individuals involved. GPs are trying to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the standards of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC. The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics use shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put patients in danger. This is a national scandal and a compelling reason to look at alternative options. It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other health and social circumstances that influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present. We can help you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. You can request an appointment on our website or give us a call to see how we might be able to assist. What is the consequence 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 be diagnosed without taking medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient. Your appointment will include an assessment that is validated as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is essential that you give truthful and accurate information. If a doctor determines that you meet 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 before making the decision. The effects of medications are long-lasting, and may be dangerous in the event of a misjudgment. The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is important to also be aware of 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 treat ADHD has caused controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be a good idea to pay for an assessment.