ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work?
Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you know has ADHD You should consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe best treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS, a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those affected. Many believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.
In the face of these issues, it's not surprising that more adults are opting to undergo a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone and told patients they had ADHD when, in fact they didn't.
A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule a diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then review your medical history and family history, as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will submit documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private providers for their evaluation. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This could include a physical examination and tests, such as hearing and vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family background and medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom over six months that are severe enough to cause disruption in the demands of work or at home. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your social and professional history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second 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 under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication this way. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and because it is expensive.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. It could be that you haven't provided enough information about your struggles, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or go through the NHS complaints process.
It's important to consider that your physician may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the people affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limit.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a real reason to consider other options.
It is important to remember that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to be given the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other social or health situations that could influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide check here support and treatment to address your issues. You can make an appointment via our website or give us an email to find out what we can do to help.
What happens when you don't want me to take my medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without taking medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to Choose route, which is much more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinical interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will allow your clinician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is crucial to provide honest and truthful information.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may be harmful if used in a safe manner.
When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will give you the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is essential to keep in mind 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 especially because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this does not happen, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be beneficial to pay for an assessment.