ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private exam. But does it actually work?
Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you know has ADHD You should seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the best 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 concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Additionally, many believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to have a private assessment. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and told patients they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't.
A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questions that you are asked to fill out and submit to the doctor. The screenings are designed to see if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment to diagnose.
The doctor will then review your medical background and family history as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will forward documentation to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if required.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their evaluation. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This could include a medical examination and tests like hearing or vision. adhd diagnosis uk adults may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history, as well as social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales of rating and ask your caregivers or teachers to rate you.
When evaluating adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs within a period of six months that are serious enough to disrupt the demands of work or at home. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for example 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 the history of abuse and alcohol or drug abuse.
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 also explain why they think you are not and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.
If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication this way. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the condition and because it's expensive.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.
If your clinician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. You may not have given enough details about your struggles or they may think that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the outcome, you can ask for an alternative opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or use NHS services, the wait time for an appointment can be long and it's important to consider that your clinician might find the process frustrating. This isn't because of the people affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limits.
GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, and meet the standards of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose 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 a real reason to consider other options.
It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other social and health circumstances that affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your concerns. Contact us today or request an appointment online to learn how we can help.
What happens if I don't want to take medication?
You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right to choose option which is more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you give honest and truthful information.
If the clinician 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 medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.
The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You may be given 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's important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy in particular because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an academic discipline. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.