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, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective?
What is the reason I need a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you love has ADHD You should find a doctor who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to use 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 struggling to deal with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Furthermore, a lot of people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.
In the face of these challenges it's not a surprise that more people are opting to seek an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality they didn't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults can't endure this long and go to private providers for their evaluation. This can help save time and stress, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical examination and tests like hearing or vision. This could include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history, as well as medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales for rating and ask your caregivers or teachers to rate you.
When evaluating adults with ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptom within a period of six months that are serious enough to interfere with work or home life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also assess your work and social history to rule out any issues like financial hardship, a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their decision.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medications in this manner. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain the reason. You may have not given enough details about your struggles 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 another clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your clinician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the individuals involved.
GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national scandal and a compelling reason to look at alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to be given a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us today or make an appointment online to learn what we can do to help.
What happens if I don't want to take a medication?
You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or use the 'Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The doctor will consider your past experiences and family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful responses.
If the clinician determines that you meet 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 if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision it is crucial to consider the pros and cons of taking any medication. adhd diagnosis uk adults is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.
The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen because we are inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.