ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and are prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?
Why do I require a private diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a professional who can accurately assess your health and provide the appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are some concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.
It's not a surprise, then that more people choose to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they weren't.
A private examination will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires that you must fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment to diagnose.
The doctor will then review your medical background and family history as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will forward paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if required.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and difficult. Some adults cannot wait that long and seek out private providers to evaluate their condition. This could save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family background and medical and social history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales for rating, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to interfere with the demands of work or at home. They will also determine whether these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your social and work history to rule out any issues such as financial hardship or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug 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 may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication in this way. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and also because it's costly.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your physician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. It could be due to your inability to give enough detail about your issues or they believe that a different condition can explain your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with this choice, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different doctor or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or use NHS healthcare waiting times for an assessment could be lengthy and it's worth pondering the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched too thin and this isn't the fault of the people who are involved.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ shortcut diagnostic methods, which could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to think about alternatives.
It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are ethnically minorities or were born female or have other social or health situations that could affect the way medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
We can help you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your issues. You can call us or make an appointment online to find out how we can assist you.
What happens if you don't want me to take my medication?
You can receive a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not need to take any medication. The NHS offers 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 by the 'Right To Choose route which is a lot more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your clinician determine how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you give truthful and accurate information.
If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner.
If you decide to use medication, your doctor will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing them. It is important to also keep in mind that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We are hesitant to say that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is a science. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to take out an assessment with a private practitioner.