How Diagnosis ADHD Became The Hottest Trend Of 2023
How Diagnosis ADHD Became The Hottest Trend Of 2023
Blog Article
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really working?
Why do I need a private diagnostic?
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 necessary 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 end.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those suffering. Many think that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics ran tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they weren't.
A private assessment will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and return to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results are used to help the clinician decide whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then conduct an in-depth review of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also perform a physical exam and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy if required.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and difficult. Some adults are unable to wait that long to look for private doctors to evaluate their health. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical examination and tests, such as hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family history, as well as medical and social history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD scales of rating and may also request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your work and social life history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties, an abuse history, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient more info back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication in this way. However, doctors have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and also because it's expensive.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor should be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. It could be due to your inability to provide enough information about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you are not happy with the outcome you may seek an alternative opinion from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your physician may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the people who are involved.
GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they provide a solid, fair and safe service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose exposed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive an assessment. This is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social and health circumstances that influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can help if you find your life negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your problems. You can schedule an appointment via our website or give us an email to find out what we can do to assist.
What happens when you don't want me to take my medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without taking medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or use the 'Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will include a validated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician understand how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.
The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. It is important to also remember that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We're not sure that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS wait times, then it can make sense to take out a private assessment.