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 a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But does it actually work?
Why do I require a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD You should seek out a professional who can accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many people also think that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.
It's not a surprise, then, that more adults choose to undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and told patients they were ADHD when they were not.
A private assessment will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results help the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis.
The doctor will then review your medical history and family history, as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will submit paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy if required.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and frustrating. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their evaluation. 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 with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a physical examination as well as tests like hearing and vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask 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 may need to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to affect the family or work environment. They will also determine 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 look at your work and social life history to rule out any issues like financial hardship, the history of abuse and alcohol or drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform you if they think that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision.
Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's costly.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They website will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain why. It may be because you did not provide enough details about your difficulties or because they believe that another condition is responsible for your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the diagnosis, you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or take advantage of NHS services, the wait time for an appointment can be long and it's important to consider that your clinician may find the process difficult. This is not because of the people involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS services are stretched to the limit.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they provide a solid safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to look at other options.
It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has other health and social circumstances that can influence the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your concerns. Contact us today or make an appointment online to learn how we can assist you.
What happens If you don't want me take my medication?
You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or by the 'Right To Choose' pathway which is quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and certain validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful responses.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can give you an assessment. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication before making an informed decision. The effects of medications are long-term, and can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.
When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for. It is important to also remember that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry barely is an actual science. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to take out a private assessment.