ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed strong medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should find a doctor who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS but private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Additionally, many believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.
In the face of these issues, it's not surprising that more people are opting to seek a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment 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 whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body 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 send documentation to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A good diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Some adults are unable to wait that long to seek out private specialists to determine their situation. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to note that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination and tests, such as hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD rating scales, and may ask your caregivers or teachers to evaluate you.
When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs within a period of six months that are severe enough to interfere with the demands of work or at home. They will also determine whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also assess your social and work history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties, a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or another 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 disagree with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication this way. However, doctors have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and also because it's expensive.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain why. It could be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your issues or they believe another condition explains your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your physician might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people affected.
GPs are trying to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure they provide a reliable and safe, fair and fair service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics employ shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put people in danger. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to consider alternative options.
It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other social and health situations that could influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can assist you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to address your concerns. Contact us today or make an appointment online to learn what we can do to help.
What happens if I don't want to take medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinical interview and the completion of some validated assessments. getting a adhd diagnosis will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. The effects of medications are long-lasting, and may have serious side effects if taken incorrectly.
If you decide to take medication, your doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. Based on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is also important to keep in mind that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We're not sure that this does not happen since humans are incredibly inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS wait times, then it can make sense to pay for an assessment with a private practitioner.