Ten Myths About Diagnosis ADHD That Aren't Always The Truth
Ten Myths About Diagnosis ADHD That Aren't Always The Truth
Blog Article
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, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
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 important to find a doctor who can assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.
In the light of these issues it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to undergo an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered 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 will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you are asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment to diagnose.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long and seek out private specialists to evaluate their situation. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to keep in mind that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. This will include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD scales for rating and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to give you a score.
When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your work and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardship, a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. However, doctors have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and because it's costly.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with here the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your clinician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. It may be because you did not provide enough information about your issues or they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints process.
If you choose to go private or access NHS services waiting times for an assessment could be long and it's important to consider that your doctor may find the process difficult. This isn't due to the people affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a real reason to look at alternatives.
It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other health or social issues that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your difficulties. You can request an appointment online or give us a an email to find out how we might be able to assist you.
What happens if I don't want to take a medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it's possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to recommend you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician determine the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you provide accurate and truthful responses.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before you make a decision, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner.
When you choose to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy in particular because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed due to inadequate diagnostic tests. We're not sure that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry barely a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be beneficial to pay for an assessment.