ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs following unreliable video assessments in private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers spoke 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 need a private diagnostic?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a professional who can assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those affected. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.
In the light of these challenges 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 offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they were not.
A private examination will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you are asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results are used to help the clinician decide whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The physician will then conduct an in-depth examination of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The doctor will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and then given a treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if required.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Some adults cannot wait that long and seek out private specialists to evaluate their situation. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family history and social and medical history and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales for rating, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
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 affect the family or work environment. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your work and social history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties or an abuse history, and alcohol or drug misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their decision.
Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this information with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. However, doctors have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the condition and because it's costly.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain the reason. It could be due to your inability to provide enough information about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you are not happy with this decision then you can seek another opinion from a different clinician 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 lengthy and it's important to consider that your clinician might find the process frustrating. This isn't due to the patients involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS services are stretched to its limits.
GPs also have to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that more info they comply with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to consider alternative options.
It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to be given an assessment. This is especially true when they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
We can assist you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. Contact us or request an appointment online to learn how we can help.
What happens if you don't wish me to take my medication?
You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't wish 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 specialist centres in England or by the 'Right To Choose option which is more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The doctor will take into consideration your past experiences and your family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before deciding it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. The effects of medication last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects if taken incorrectly.
The psychiatrist will give you the prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been suffering from these symptoms for. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.