ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. But does it work?
Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?
If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the end.
There are some concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.
adult diagnosis of adhd 's not a surprise, then that more people choose to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private examination will typically begin with a series of screening questions that you must fill out and submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The doctor will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will forward paperwork to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your personal doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy if required.
What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment?
A clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their assessment. This could save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD scales of rating, and may request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also look at your work and social life history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you don't meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and because it's expensive.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain why. You may have not provided enough details about your issues, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with this choice then you can seek an additional opinion from a different physician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or use NHS services the wait time for an appointment can be long and it's worth considering that your doctor might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national catastrophe and an excellent reason to think about other options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth or has other health and social circumstances that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a call to see what we can do to help.
What happens if you don't want me to take my medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without taking medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your past experiences and family history. It is essential to give accurate and honest answers.
If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.
When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will give you a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of insufficient clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case because we are inexact and psychiatry is not a science at all. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to pay for a private assessment.