ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective? Why do I require a private diagnosis? 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 proper treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS but private diagnosis may be more effective and save you time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be. It's not a surprise, then that more people choose to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality they didn't. A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questions that you must complete and return to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule a diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then conduct a thorough review of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. After you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will forward paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be necessary. What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment? In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private providers to determine their health. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a medical exam and tests such as hearing or vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales for rating, and may request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you. When evaluating adults with ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also determine if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your professional and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of 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 through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive. What happens If I don't like my diagnosis? Remember that your clinician must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you. If your clinician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It could be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If https://notes.io/wmk3x with the decision, you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints process. It is important to be aware that your doctor may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. This is not because of the patients involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS services are stretched to its limits. GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to look at alternatives. It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth, or has other health or social issues that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms. If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us or request an appointment online to find out how we can assist you. What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it's possible to get a diagnosis without taking medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right To Choose option which is faster. Your appointment will consist of a validated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. https://jonassen-kiilerich-2.thoughtlanes.net/10-how-to-get-diagnosed-with-adhd-in-adults-tricks-all-experts-recommend is essential to give accurate and honest answers. If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can give you an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could be harmful if taken properly. 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 duration of time you've been experiencing them, it could be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is also important to remember that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen since humans are incredibly inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could make sense to pay for an assessment.