ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. But is it really effective?
Why do I need a private diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.
In light of these challenges, it's not surprising that more adults are opting to seek an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients that they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment typically begins with a series of screening questions which you'll be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will submit paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is necessary.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
A good diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private professionals for an assessment. This could save time and stress, but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a physical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family background and medical and social history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to affect work or family life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist get more info or a healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this information with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medications in this manner. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the condition and because it's costly.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest other treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. It may be because you did not provide enough information about your struggles or they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with this decision, you can ask for another opinion from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your clinician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. This isn't because of the people affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limits.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to think about alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive an assessment. This is particularly true if they are ethnically minorities or born female or have other health and social situations that could affect how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your issues. Contact us or make an appointment online to learn what we can do to help.
What happens If you don't wish me to take my medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without taking medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP 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 an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they affect your daily routine. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial that you provide honest and truthful information.
If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could be harmful if used in a safe manner.
The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a long period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. It is important to also 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 that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case because we are 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.