ploughform0

ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tips received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted. Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective? Why do I need a private diagnostic? If you or someone you know has ADHD You should seek out a professional who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS but a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services are not as effective 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 about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and telling patients they had ADHD even though, in actual they didn't. A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results will assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment. The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. After you've been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed. What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question? A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an assessment. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and might need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too. When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for 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 look to determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse. During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision. People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the condition and also because it's costly. What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis? Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you. If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain the reason. It could be because you did not provide enough details about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure. If you choose to go private or use NHS care the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy, and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. This is not because of the people involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limit. GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must make sure they provide a reliable, fair and safe service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing. The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize quick diagnostic techniques, which can put people in danger. This is a national scourge and a valid reason to consider alternatives. It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to be given a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other social and health situations that could influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present. adhd diagnosis for adults can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to help you overcome your issues. You can request an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss what we can do to assist. What happens if I don't want to take medication? You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't need to take any medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to choose option, which is much faster. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your physician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily activities. The doctor will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers. If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. The effects of medications are long-lasting, and may cause serious adverse effects if taken incorrectly. The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've experienced these symptoms for. It is important to also keep in mind that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We are reticent to say that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry barely a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.