ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted following tips received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it effective?
Why do I need a private diagnosis?
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can evaluate your condition and provide the necessary treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns regarding the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. Many believe that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
It's not surprising, therefore, that more adults choose to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and telling patients they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't.
A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questions that you are asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule a diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct a thorough assessment of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will send documents to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and frustrating. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an evaluation. This can save time and frustration, but it's important to understand that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD scales for rating and request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.
When assessing adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more signs over six months that are serious enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social life background to rule out issues such as financial hardship, the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they think that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.
Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and because it is expensive.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest other diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain the reason. It may be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or access NHS care the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy, and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is overstretched and it's not the fault of the people involved.
GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must make sure they provide a solid and safe, fair and fair service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which can put people in danger. This read more is a national tragedy and a valid reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true if the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth, or has other health or social issues that can influence how medical professionals view their symptoms.
If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a call to see how we might be able to help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England, or through the 'Right to choose route which is quicker.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your clinician determine the way these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The doctor will consider your past experiences and family history. It is crucial to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the implications of taking any medication before making a decision. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner.
If you decide to use medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is essential to keep in mind that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We're not sure that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could make sense to pay for an assessment.