ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you know has ADHD You should find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many believe that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to have a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they were not.
A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then conduct a detailed examination of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send documentation to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy if required.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private providers for their evaluation. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This could include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD rating scales and request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.
When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also check whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also assess your social and work history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties, an abuse history, and alcohol or drug misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their decision.
People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medications in this manner. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and because it's expensive.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor must be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.
If your physician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. You may have not provided enough information about your issues or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the decision you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints process.
It is important to be aware that your doctor may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. This isn't because of the individuals involved, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limits.
GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must be sure 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.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which can put people in danger. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to look at alternatives.
It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is of a minority ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has any other health and social circumstances that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your problems. You can make an appointment online or give us a phone to discuss how we might be able to assist you.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?
You can be diagnosed if 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 with your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to Choose' pathway, which is much quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to understand how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Click Link is essential to consider the implications of taking any medication before making a decision. The effects of medications are long-lasting, and may cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.
If you decide to take medication, the doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is essential to keep in mind that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate in particular because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry rarely is an academic discipline. However, if you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to take out a private assessment.