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 after tips were received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But does it actually work?
Why do I need an individual diagnosis?
If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a professional who can assess your condition and provide the necessary treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the end.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.
In the light of these issues it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to undergo an appointment with a private physician. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and told patients they were ADHD when they weren't.
A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questions that you are asked to complete and return to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results will assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. Based on your situation, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will submit paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private specialists for their evaluation. This can help save time and frustration, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD scales of rating and ask your caregivers or teachers to evaluate you.
When evaluating adults with ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms over six months that are serious enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also assess your work and social life background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties or a 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 do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. However, GPs have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and also because it's costly.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. You may have not given enough details about your issues or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints process.
It is important to be aware that your doctor may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the individuals affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose exposed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national scourge, and a very real reason to look at alternatives.
It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to be given a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background or born female or have other health and social situations that could affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to help you overcome your concerns. Contact us or make an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you.
What happens If you don't wish me to take my medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it's possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise a validated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to understand the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is essential that you give accurate and truthful responses.
If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the implications of taking any medication before making the decision. The effects of medication are long-term, and can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.
The doctor will issue you the prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, website it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is essential to remember 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 that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry hardly is an academic discipline. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.