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adhd uk diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been 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 individual diagnostic? If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can evaluate your condition and provide the proper treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those suffering. Furthermore, a lot of people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be. It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to undergo a private examination. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they were not. A private assessment usually starts with a series of screening questions which you'll be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis. The physician will then conduct a thorough examination of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan. After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, if necessary. What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment? In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and frustrating. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private providers for their evaluation. This can save time and frustration, but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis. A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical examination and tests like hearing or 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 could also employ standard ADHD scales for rating and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to evaluate you. When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also look to determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out problems such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction. During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their decision. If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. 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? Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you. If your doctor finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. You may not have provided enough information about your difficulties or they may think that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you are 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 remember that your clinician may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. This isn't because of the patients involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits. GPs also face challenges in navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they provide a reliable and safe, fair and fair service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing. The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to look at alternative options. It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other health and social circumstances that affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present. If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your concerns. Contact us or request an appointment online to learn how we can assist you. What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication? You can receive a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose” pathway which is faster. Your appointment will comprise an authenticated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers. If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will 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 prior to making the decision. The effects of a medication are long-lasting, and may have serious side effects if taken incorrectly. The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a long duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've experienced them. However, it is also important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We're not sure that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. However, if you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to get a private assessment.