ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But does it actually work?
Why do I need a private diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can accurately assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those suffering. Additionally, many think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
It's not surprising, therefore, that more adults choose to undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and telling patients they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening which you'll be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and then given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, if required.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. However, adult adhd diagnosis uk for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private specialists to evaluate their health. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD rating scales and may also ask your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
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 interfere with the demands of work or at home. They will also look to determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your professional and social history to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.
If your doctor decides 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 difficulties, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the diagnosis you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints process.
No matter if you opt for private or access NHS services, the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy, and it's important to consider that your doctor might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the people who are involved.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to consider other options.
It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female at birth or has other health or social issues that can influence the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to offer support and treatment for your issues. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a phone to discuss what we can do to assist you.
What happens If you don't want me take my medication?
You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not want to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right To Choose' pathway which is a lot more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and some validated tests. This will help your physician determine how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your experiences in the past and your family history. It is important to provide honest and truthful information.
If the doctor decides that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before making a decision it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.
If you decide to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the length of time you have been suffering from them, it might be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry barely a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might be a good idea to pay for an assessment.