ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective?
Why do I need a private diagnostic?
If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can evaluate your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those who suffer from the condition. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.
In light of these challenges, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to go for an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires you will be asked to complete and return to the clinician. The tests are designed to see if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. adhd diagnosis uk adults aid the clinician decide if you should attend a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will forward documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
A good diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private providers for their evaluation. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales of rating, and may request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When evaluating adults with ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptom within a period of six months that are serious enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your professional and social history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.
If your physician finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. It may be due to your inability to provide enough details about your difficulties or because they believe that a different condition can explain your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or use NHS care the wait time for an assessment can be long and it's worth considering that your doctor might find the process frustrating. This isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and an excellent reason to look at alternatives.
It is also important to note that the stigma attached to 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 minority ethnicity or was a female at birth, or has other health and social circumstances that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
We can assist you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your problems. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a phone to discuss how we might be able to assist.
What happens if I don't want to take medication?
You can get a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not want to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to Choose option which is a lot more efficient.
Your appointment will include a validated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily activities. The clinician will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.
If a doctor determines that you have 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 important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.
If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, particularly because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to get an assessment with a private practitioner.