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adult adhd diagnosis uk – 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 occurred following tips received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really working? Why do I need a private diagnosis? If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is important to find a doctor who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money. There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Additionally, many believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be. In the light of these problems, it's not surprising that more people are opting to seek a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients they had ADHD when, in fact, they did not. A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires that you must fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis. The doctor will then conduct a thorough review of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with a request for a 'shared care agreement'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed. What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment? If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long to seek out private providers to assess their condition. This could save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis. A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This could include a physical examination as well as tests like hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the assessment will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales and might want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too. 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 affect work or family life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your work and social history to rule out any issues such as financial hardship, an abuse history, and drug or alcohol misuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medications in this manner. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's costly. What happens If I don't like my diagnosis? Remember that your clinician must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you. If your doctor determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. It could be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your struggles or they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure. It's important to consider that your doctor may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the people affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing. Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to think about alternative options. It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to be given the diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other social and health issues which can affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. We can help you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your issues. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a call to see what we can do to assist you. What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication? You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't need to take any medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right To Choose option which is quicker. Your appointment will consist of a validated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily activities. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you provide honest and truthful information. If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly. If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist will give you the prescription and plan. You could be given ADHD medication for a long period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing them. It is important to also be aware of other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to say this isn't the case because we aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an academic discipline. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to take out an individual assessment.