ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it work?
Why do I require an individual diagnostic?
If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.
In light of these challenges it's not surprising that more adults are opting to go for an appointment with a private physician. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they weren't.
A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you must complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend a diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy if required.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private specialists to evaluate their condition. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to keep in mind that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are serious enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your work and social life background to rule out issues like financial hardship or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.
Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and also because it is expensive.
What happens If I don't like 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 clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. You may not have provided enough details about your issues or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the diagnosis, you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or use NHS care, the wait time for an appointment can be long and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the people involved.
GPs also have to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics employ shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put patients in danger. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to think about other options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other social or health situations that could influence how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your issues. You can make an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss what we can do to assist.
What happens If you don't wish me to take my medication?
You can be diagnosed if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not want to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right to choose' pathway, which is much more efficient.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your physician 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 past experiences and your family history. It is crucial that you provide accurate and truthful responses.
If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. getting a diagnosis for adhd is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.
The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been suffering from these symptoms for. However, it's important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, including 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 people are misdiagnosed because of insufficient clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry barely a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, it is possible to take out a private assessment.