adult adhd diagnosis uk - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tips received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it effective?
Why do I require a private diagnosis?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a professional who can accurately assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you time and money in the end.
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 to get an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Additionally, many think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.
In the face of these challenges it's not surprising that more adults are opting to go for an assessment by a private doctor. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they were not.
A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questions that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then review your medical history and family history, as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The clinician will also conduct physical examinations 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 sign a shared care agreement. 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 required.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. This will include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family background and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and may want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also look to determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your social and professional history to rule out problems like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you don't meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision.
Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication in this way. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.
If your doctor finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your issues or they may think that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints process.
It is important to remember that your clinician might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and this isn't the fault of the people affected.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must make sure they offer a robust, fair and safe service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics employ techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to consider alternatives.
It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other health and social circumstances that influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
We can help if you think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to help you overcome your concerns. Contact us or request an appointment online to find out how we can help.
What happens If you don't want me to take my medication?
You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not need to take any medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or via the 'Right to Choose option which is a lot more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and some validated assessments. This will help your physician understand the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before deciding it is crucial to consider the pros and cons of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if used in a safe manner.
The doctor will issue you the prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is important to also keep in mind that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this isn't the case because we aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry barely is a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.