Ten Common Misconceptions About Diagnosis ADHD That Don't Always Hold
Ten Common Misconceptions About Diagnosis ADHD That Don't Always Hold
Blog Article
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it work?
Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is important to find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those suffering. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.
In light of these issues, it's not surprising that more people are opting to undergo a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they had ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.
A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questionnaires you must complete and return to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if required.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and difficult. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private professionals for an assessment. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales for rating and ask your caregivers or teachers to rate you.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also look to determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also evaluate your professional and social background to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another 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. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication this way. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and also because it's costly.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could 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. It may be because you did not provide enough information about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the decision you may seek a second opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints process.
Whether you go private or access NHS care the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy, and it's worth pondering that your doctor might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people involved.
GPs are trying to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to consider alternative options.
It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to be given a diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is of a minority ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has other social and health issues which can affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.
We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a call to see how we might be able to help.
What happens if I don't want to take medication?
You can receive a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the centers that specialize in England or go through the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will here consider your previous experiences and family history. It is essential that you provide truthful and accurate information.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD They can provide you with a diagnosis. You will 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 any medication. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.
If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact and psychiatry is barely a science. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to get an individual assessment.