ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
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 require a private diagnosis?
If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can evaluate your health and provide the proper treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this could cause a lot of distress for those affected. Many feel that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
In the face of these problems, it's not surprising that more adults are opting to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and told 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 will be asked to complete and return to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose.
The physician will then conduct a detailed review of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also perform a physical exam and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will submit documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their evaluation. This can save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical examination and tests like hearing and vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They might also employ the standard ADHD rating scales and might want to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor 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 home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out problems such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. ADHD Diagnosis can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person to share management via the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition or because it's costly.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. It may be due to your inability to provide enough details about your issues or they believe another condition explains your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the decision you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or follow the NHS complaints process.
It is important to remember that your physician might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and this isn't the fault of the people affected.
GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must make sure they provide a reliable, fair and safe service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to look at other options.
It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to be given an assessment. This is especially true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female at birth, or has other health and social circumstances which can affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
We can assist you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can offer support and treatment for your problems. You can request an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss how we might be able to assist.
What happens if I don't want to take medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without the need for medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or by the 'Right to choose' pathway which is a lot faster.
Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated as well as a medical interview 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 consider your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the doctor 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 if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and be harmful if taken in a proper manner.
If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it might be recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to say this isn't the case because we aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry rarely is an actual science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.