ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really working?
What is the reason I need an individual diagnosis?
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a doctor who can evaluate your condition and provide the proper treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS, private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the end.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.
In the light of these problems it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to go for an assessment by a private doctor. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and told patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of screening questions which you'll be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then conduct a thorough examination of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. Based on your situation, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
After adhd in adults diagnosis 've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be required.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A good diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long to look for private doctors to evaluate their situation. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can offer more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family background 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 give you a score.
When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your work and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardship, a history of abuse, 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 can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision.
If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and also because it's costly.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor should be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.
If your physician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. It could be because you did not provide enough details about your struggles or they believe another condition explains your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with this decision then you can seek an additional opinion from a different clinician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or use NHS care the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy, and it's worth pondering the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched too thin and this isn't the fault of the individuals involved.
GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to think about alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other health and social circumstances that can affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can offer support and treatment for your problems. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a phone to discuss how we might be able to assist you.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers that specialize in England or follow the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential to provide honest and truthful information.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner.
The doctor will issue you the prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it could be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is also important to be aware of 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 treat ADHD has caused controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely is a science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be beneficial to pay for an assessment.