10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Diagnosis ADHD
10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Diagnosis ADHD
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 medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
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 very stressful for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to have a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private examination will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires you are asked to complete and return to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment for diagnosis.
The clinician will then conduct a detailed review of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Many adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can give more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This may 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 medical and social history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD scales for rating and ask your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your work and social life background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties or an abuse history, and alcohol or drug misuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication this way. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the disorder and because it's costly.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain why. You may not have given enough details diagnosis adult adhd about your difficulties, or they may believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome, you can ask for another 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 or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the people involved.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure they offer a robust, fair and safe service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to think about alternatives.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are ethnically minorities or were born female or have other social and health circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to address your difficulties. You can call us or request an appointment online to learn what we can do to help.
What happens if I don't want to take medication?
You can be diagnosed when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't need to take any medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers for specialists in England or go through the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they affect your daily routine. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. 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 a medication. You may be given ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. However, it's important to remember 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 diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it is possible to get an assessment with a private practitioner.