ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But is it really working?
Why do I need a private diagnosis?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS but private diagnosis may be more effective and save you time and money in the end.
There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. Many feel that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
In the face of these challenges it's not surprising that more people are opting to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history, as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. adult adhd diagnosis uk will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with a request for a 'shared care agreement'. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be required.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and painful. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private providers for their assessment. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a physical examination as well as tests like hearing and vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD scales for rating and may also ask 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 are serious enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your professional and social history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their decision.
Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this information with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medications in this manner. However, doctors have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and also because it's costly.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor should be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain why. It could be because you did not provide enough details about your issues or they believe that a different condition can explain your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your doctor may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. This isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather because NHS services are stretched to its limits.
GPs are trying to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics use techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put people in danger. This is a national catastrophe and an excellent reason to look at alternatives.
It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth or has other social and health issues that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your issues. You can request an appointment on our website or give us a call to see how we might be able to assist.
What happens if you don't wish me to take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England or by the 'Right To Choose' pathway, which is much more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and some validated tests. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The doctor will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they can give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication prior to making the decision. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may be harmful if taken properly.
When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is essential to remember that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We are reticent to say that this does not happen because we are inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.