ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But does it work?
Why do I need an individual diagnostic?
If you or someone you love has ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe best treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you time and money in the end.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.
In the light of these challenges it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to undergo an appointment with a private physician. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone, and were telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.
A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend a diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then review your medical background and family history as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy if required.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical exam and tests such as hearing or vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They might also use standard ADHD rating scales and might want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too.
When evaluating adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom over six months that are severe enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your work and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardship, a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the disorder and because it's costly.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor must be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.
If your doctor determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they provide the reasons for this. You may not have provided enough details about your difficulties, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS care the wait time for an appointment can be long and it's worth considering that your clinician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the individuals involved.
GPs are trying to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics employ shortcut diagnostic methods, which could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to think about alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to be given an assessment. This is especially true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female at birth or has any other health and social circumstances that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
We can help you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can offer support and treatment for your issues. You can call us or make an appointment online to find out how we can help.
What happens if I don't want to take medication?
You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.
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 a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision it is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.
If Recommended Resource site decide to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. You could be given ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing them. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We're not sure that this isn't the case because we are inexact and psychiatry is barely a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being frustrated by the NHS wait times, it is possible to get a private assessment.