ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work?
Why do I need a private diagnostic?
If you or someone you love has ADHD It is important to find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many people think that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
It's not a surprise, then that more people choose to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality they didn't.
A private assessment typically begins with a series of screening questions which you'll be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. These results are used to help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct a detailed examination of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will submit documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if required.
What happens if I don't get an appointment?
A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their evaluation. This could save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical exam and tests, such as hearing and vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history, as well as social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also utilize the standard ADHD rating scales and might need to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also review your work and social life history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties, a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can access medication this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they aren't experts 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 considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain the reason. You may have not provided enough information about here your issues or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with the outcome, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different clinician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your clinician may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the people affected.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a real reason to look at other options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other health and social circumstances that can affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to address your concerns. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a an email to find out how we might be able to assist you.
What happens If you don't want me take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to recommend you to one of the centers that specialize in England or follow the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will consist of a validated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The doctor will take into account your previous experiences and family history. It is essential that you provide honest and truthful information.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner.
When you choose to take medication, the doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it could be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is essential to keep in mind that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact and psychiatry is not a science at all. However, if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms and you are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, it can make sense to get a private assessment.