ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were reported. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. But does it actually work?
Why do I need a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you love has ADHD, you should find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns regarding the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services are not as good as they could be.
It's not surprising, then, that more adults choose to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone, and were telling patients that they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose.
The clinician will then conduct a thorough review of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will send paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private providers for their assessment. This could save time and stress, 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 provide an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This could include a physical 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 inquire about your family history and your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD scales for rating, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.
When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms over six months that are severe enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also determine if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out problems like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told 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.
Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications 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 considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain the reason. It may be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the diagnosis, you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or use NHS services the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the people affected.
GPs are trying to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use shortcut diagnostic methods, which could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a real reason to think about other options.
It is important to remember that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is especially true when they are ethnically minorities or born female or have other social or health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your issues. Contact us today or make an appointment online to discuss how we can help.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
You can get a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't need to take any medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or by the 'Right to Choose route which is quicker.
Your appointment will include an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to know the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your experiences in the past and your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful responses.
If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and be harmful if taken properly.
If you decide to use medication, the doctor will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is essential to be aware of other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as an academic discipline. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.