ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed strong medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But does it actually work?
Why do I need a private diagnostic?
If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can evaluate your condition and provide the proper treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns regarding the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.
In the face of these issues it's not surprising that more people are opting to seek a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they weren't.
A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questions that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results will assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then conduct a detailed assessment of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also perform a physical exam and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a huge 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 professionals for an evaluation. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family background and your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They might also employ standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out problems such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's costly.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain why. It could be because you did not provide enough information about your struggles or they believe that a different condition can explain your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or follow the NHS complaints process.
Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS care the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy, and it's worth pondering that your clinician might find the process frustrating. This isn't because of the patients involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to its limits.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). adhd uk diagnosis must be sure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to look at other options.
It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has other health and social circumstances that can influence the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to address your difficulties. Contact us or make an appointment online to learn how we can assist you.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right To Choose route which is faster.
Your appointment will consist of a validated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician know the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.
If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may be dangerous when taken improperly.
The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You may be given ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS wait times, it is possible to take out an individual assessment.