check this site out - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really working?
Why do I require a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you love has ADHD You should seek out a professional who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you both time and money in the end.
There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Many people believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be.
In the light of these challenges, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to seek a private assessment. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and told patients that they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't.
A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires you must fill out and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then conduct an in-depth examination of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will submit paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private providers to determine their health. This can save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They might also utilize standard ADHD rating scales and might need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom within a period of six months that are serious enough to interfere with work or home life. They will also look to determine whether 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 history to rule out problems such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person to share management via the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's costly.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.
If your doctor determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It may be because you did not provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis, you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints process.
It's important to consider that your clinician may find the assessment process difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the patients affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limits.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must make sure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and an excellent reason to think about other options.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has any other health or social issues that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can provide support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us or request an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you.
What happens when you don't want me to take my medication?
You can receive a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to recommend you to one of the centers for specialists in England or follow the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication before making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may be harmful if taken properly.
If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you a plan and a prescription. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. It is also important to remember 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 sparked a lot of debate in particular because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We're not sure that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact and psychiatry is barely a science. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being frustrated by the NHS wait times, it is possible to get an individual assessment.