10 Places To Find Diagnosis ADHD
ADHD Video Call 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 conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But does it work?
Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you love has ADHD, you should consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.
It's not a surprise, then, that more adults choose to undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone, and were telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results of these tests help the doctor determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose.
The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a'shared-care agreement'. This will enable 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 if required.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private providers for their evaluation. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family background and medical and social history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD rating scales and might want to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more symptom within a period of six months that are serious enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also check whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also evaluate your professional and social background to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.
Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this information with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. However, doctors have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and because it is expensive.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might 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 have not given enough details about your issues or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome then you can seek an additional opinion from a different doctor or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

It's important to consider that your physician might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. This isn't due to the people affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they offer a robust and safe, fair and fair service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a tragedy for the entire country and an excellent reason to think about other options.
It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female at birth, or has other health and social circumstances that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
We can help if you think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your concerns. Contact us or make an appointment online to find out what we can do to help.
What happens If you don't wish me to take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without the need for medication. www.iampsychiatry.uk can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinical interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The doctor will take into consideration your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before you make a decision it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if used in a safe manner.
If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist will give you the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity your symptoms and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is important to also keep in mind that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen because we are inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and you are being frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment with a private practitioner.