ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people are forced to pay for a private examination. But does it work?
Why do I need an individual diagnostic?
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a professional who can evaluate your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are some concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. Many people also feel that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
In the light of these issues it's not surprising that more adults are opting to go for an assessment by a private doctor. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.
A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results can be used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history, as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and then given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send documents to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and frustrating. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private specialists to determine their condition. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical exam and tests like hearing or vision. It will also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They might also employ standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom within a period of six months that are serious enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out problems such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD may get more info decide to discuss this information with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication this way. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain the reason. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your issues or they might believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the outcome you may seek an alternative opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or access NHS services the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy, and it's worth pondering that your doctor may find the process difficult. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the people involved.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must make sure they provide a solid, fair and safe service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics employ shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put people in danger. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to look at alternatives.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can help you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your concerns. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a phone to discuss how we might be able to assist.
What happens if you don't wish me to take my medication?
You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't need to take any medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England, or through the 'Right To Choose' pathway which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they affect your daily routine. The doctor will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial that you give accurate and truthful responses.
If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be in a position to give you an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision it is essential to consider the pros and cons of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not taken properly.
The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the length of time you have been experiencing them, it could 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 diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy in particular because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We're not sure that this does not happen since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting time, it could be beneficial to pay for an assessment.