ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work?
Why do I need an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those affected. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they were not.
A private assessment will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires you must complete and return to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment for diagnosis.
The doctor will then conduct an in-depth examination of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward documents to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is necessary.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
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 are unable to wait that long and seek out private specialists to evaluate their health. This can 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 expertise in diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and may be able to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. adhd uk diagnosis I Am Psychiatry will also review your professional and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their decision.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication this way. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's costly.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you.
If your clinician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. You may not have provided enough information about your struggles, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your doctor may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the people affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a solid safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has other health or social issues that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your problems. Contact us or request an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help.
What happens If you don't want me to take my medication?
You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to recommend you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to understand how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential that you provide truthful and accurate information.
If the doctor decides that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. The effects of medication are long-term, and can be dangerous if taken incorrectly.
If you decide to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is also important to remember 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 diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen because we are inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be beneficial to pay for an assessment.