ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But does it work?
Why do I require a private diagnosis?
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a doctor who can evaluate your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns regarding the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
In light of these problems it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to seek an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact they didn't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then review your medical background and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will submit documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if required.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their assessment. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to realize that this isn't 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 can include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing or vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They might also employ the standard ADHD rating scales and may need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. 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 problems like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you are able to request a new assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss the diagnosis 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?
It is important to remember that your doctor must be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you.
If your doctor finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. You may not have provided enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with this decision, you can ask for an alternative opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or use NHS services waiting times for an assessment could be lengthy and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the individuals involved.
GPs are trying to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they provide a reliable and safe, fair and fair service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.
The Panorama 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 scourge and a compelling reason to consider alternatives.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive an assessment. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other health and social situations that could affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
We can assist you if 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 issues. Contact us or request an appointment online to learn how we can assist you.
What happens If you don't want me to take my medication?
You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not want to take medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to understand the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. ADHD Diagnosis is important to give accurate and honest answers.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they can give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could be harmful if taken in a proper manner.
If you decide to take medication, the psychiatrist will give you the prescription and plan. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. It is important to also remember 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 generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this doesn't happen because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is an actual science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might be beneficial to pay for an assessment.