ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?
What is the reason I need a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Many feel that the NHS assessment services are not as good as they could be.
It's not surprising, then, that more adults choose to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact they didn't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct a thorough examination of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment program.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if needed.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and frustrating. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This can save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of 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 examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD scales for rating, and may ask your caregivers or teachers to rate you.
When evaluating adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs within a period of six months that are severe enough to interfere with the demands of work or at home. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their decision.
People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this information with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management under the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. However, doctors have been 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 clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain the reason. You may have not provided enough information about your struggles or they may think that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints process.
If you choose to go private or access NHS care waiting times for an assessment could be long and it's worth considering that your clinician may find the process difficult. This isn't due to the people affected, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limit.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which can put patients in danger. This is a national scandal and a compelling reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has other social and health issues that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your concerns. Contact us or make an appointment online to learn what we can do to help.
What happens if I don't want to take a medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without taking 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 centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right to Choose route which is a lot quicker.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and some validated assessments. This will help your clinician understand the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The doctor will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is essential to provide honest and truthful information.
If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to consider the pros and cons of taking a medication. The effects of a medication are long-lasting, and may be dangerous if taken incorrectly.
When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will give you the prescription and plan. adhd diagnosis uk adults may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been suffering from them. It is important to also be aware of other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy in particular because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate diagnostic tests. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely is an actual science. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to get a private assessment.