ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you love has ADHD You should find a doctor who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the best treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those suffering. Additionally, many believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.
In the face of these issues, it's not surprising that more people are opting to undergo an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The doctor will then conduct a thorough examination of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will submit documents to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your personal doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy if necessary.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Many adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their evaluation. This can save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This may include a medical exam and tests like hearing or vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales for rating and may also request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out problems such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you can request another 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 back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication this way. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will explain the reasons why. You may have not provided enough details about your difficulties, or they may believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
If you choose to go private or use NHS healthcare the wait time for an assessment can be long and it's important to consider that your clinician might find the process frustrating. This isn't due to the patients involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the requirements of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that some private clinics are using a shortened 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 important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other health and social situations that could influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your issues. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out what we can do to assist.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without taking medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to choose' pathway which is a lot faster.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of some validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they affect your daily routine. The doctor will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you give truthful and accurate information.
If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is crucial to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may be harmful if used in a safe manner.
If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of your get more info symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We're not sure that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to get an assessment with a private practitioner.