ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really working?
Why do I need a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you love has ADHD You should find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the best treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns regarding the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those affected. Many feel that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
In light of these issues it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to undergo an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and told patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private providers for their evaluation. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical examination and tests like hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family background and your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD rating scales and may also request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to affect the family or work environment. They will also determine whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your clinician finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. It may be due to your inability to provide enough details about your difficulties or because they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If how to get an adult adhd diagnosis with the decision you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints process.
It's important to consider that your physician might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and this isn't the fault of the people who are involved.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to think about alternatives.
It is important to remember that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has any other social and health issues that can influence how medical professionals view their symptoms.
If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide support and treatment for your issues. You can request an appointment via our website or give us call to see what we can do to assist.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication?
You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not need to take any medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to send you to one of the centers that specialize in England or use the 'Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and some validated tests. This will help your clinician know how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential to provide truthful and accurate information.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you an assessment. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects if taken incorrectly.
The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've experienced them. However, it is also important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen because we are inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to get an assessment with a private practitioner.