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, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work?
Why do I require a private diagnostic?
If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the best treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS but a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
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 extremely distressing for those who are affected. Many people feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be.
In light of these issues it's not a surprise that more people are opting to undergo an appointment with a private physician. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questionnaires you must fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct a detailed assessment of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward documentation to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your personal doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, if needed.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long and look for private doctors to evaluate their health. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical exam and tests like hearing or vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family background and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD scales for rating and may also ask your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also check whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out problems such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you don't meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their decision.
Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this information with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medications in this manner. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor must be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other treatment options that are more appropriate for you.
If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain why. You may not have provided enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your clinician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and this isn't the fault of the people involved.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.
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 scourge and a compelling reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background or born female or have other social or health circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
We can help if you find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. You can call us or request an appointment online to find out how we can assist you.
What happens if you don't want me to take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it's possible to get a diagnosis without taking 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 centres for specialist assessment in England or by the 'Right To Choose option, which is get more info much faster.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential that you provide truthful and accurate information.
If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. The effects of medications are long-lasting, and may cause serious adverse effects if taken incorrectly.
The psychiatrist will give you the prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, as well as the length of time you have been experiencing them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is important to also be aware of 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 generated much controversy especially because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry rarely is a science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could make sense to pay for an assessment.