ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation occurred following tips received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. But does it actually work?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can assess your condition and provide you with the proper treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns about the ability 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 difficult for those affected. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.
It's not surprising, then that more people choose to get a private evaluation. 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 were speeding through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private assessment typically begins with a series of screening questions, which you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis.
The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment program.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will send documents to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long and look for private doctors to determine their health. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history and your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD rating scales, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed 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.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause serious problems for families here and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain why. You may have not provided enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints process.
It is important to remember that your clinician might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. This is not because of the people involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limit.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they provide a reliable and safe, fair and fair service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to think about alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has other social and health issues that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your difficulties. You can request an appointment via our website or give us an email to find out how we might be able to help.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or use the 'Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to determine the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The doctor will take into consideration your past experiences and your family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking any medication. The effects of medications are long-term, and can be dangerous in the event of a misjudgment.
The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take a medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it might be recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate in particular because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We are reticent to say that this does not happen since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.