3 Ways The Diagnosis ADHD Can Affect Your Life

ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs after unreliable video call assessments at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it effective?

Why do I need a private diagnosis?

If you or someone you love has ADHD, you should consult a specialist who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you both 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 months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Many think that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.

In light of these issues it's not a surprise that more people are opting to seek an assessment by a private doctor. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics ran assessments over the phone and told patients they were ADHD even though they weren't.

A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then conduct a detailed examination of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan.

If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will send documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy if needed.

What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?

A good diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and painful. Some adults cannot wait that long and seek out private specialists to evaluate their situation. This can save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.

A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This could include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They might also use the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.

When evaluating adults with ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more signs within a period of six months that are severe enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your social and work background to rule out issues like financial hardship or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.

If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive.

What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your therapist must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.

If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain 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 happy with this decision, you can ask for an alternative opinion from a different clinician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

It is important to be aware that your clinician might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the individuals affected.

GPs are also struggling to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they here provide a quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the standards of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.

The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national scourge, and a very real reason to look at alternatives.

It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth or has other social and health issues that can influence how medical professionals view their symptoms.

We can help if you think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to offer support and treatment for your difficulties. You can make an appointment via our website or give us an email to find out how we might be able to assist.

What happens when you don't wish me to take my medication?

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.

Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinical interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will take into account your past experiences and family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers.

If the doctor decides that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can give you a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. The effects of medication are long-term, and can have serious side effects if taken incorrectly.

The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed because of insufficient clinical assessments. We're not sure that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. However, if you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are being frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to get a private assessment.