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adhd uk diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. But does it actually work? Why do I require a private diagnosis? If you or someone you love has ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe best treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you both 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 often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those affected. Many think that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be. In the light of these challenges it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to seek an assessment by a private doctor. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they were not. A private assessment typically begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results will assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then conduct a detailed examination 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 specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will submit documents to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed. What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment? A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private specialists to determine their health. This can save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis. A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This could include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too. When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs over six months that are serious enough to cause disruption in the demands of work or at home. They will also look to determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your social and work history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse. During adhd diagnosis uk adults during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their conclusion. People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the disorder and 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 concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest other diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you. If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. You may not have given enough details about your struggles or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints process. Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS services waiting times for an assessment could be lengthy and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people who are involved. GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that some private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national scourge and a compelling reason to think about alternative options. It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has any other health or social issues which can affect how medical professionals view their symptoms. We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your difficulties. You can make an appointment online or give us a an email to find out what we can do to assist. What happens when you don't want me take my medication? You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England or by the 'Right To Choose option which is more efficient. Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will help your physician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers. If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the implications of taking any medication before making a decision. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner. When you choose to take medication, your doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. You may be given ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. It is important to also keep in mind 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 diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy in particular because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We hesitate to claim that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as an actual science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.