ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really working?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and provide you with the proper treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns regarding the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Many people also feel that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they were not.
A private assessment usually starts with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The doctor will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a request for a 'shared care agreement'. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if required.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their assessment. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This could include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. It will also include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They might also utilize the standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms 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 look at whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your work and social life history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties, a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not 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 decide to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication in this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. It may be due to your inability to provide enough information about your struggles or they believe another condition explains your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with this choice, you can ask for another opinion from a different doctor or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS healthcare waiting times for an appointment can be lengthy, and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. This isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to think about alternatives.
It is also important to note 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 the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has any other health and social circumstances which can affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.
If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. You can request an appointment online or give us a phone to discuss how we might be able to help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right to Choose' pathway which is a lot faster.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will enable your doctor to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the doctor decides that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.
When you choose to take medication, the doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it could be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is also important to keep in mind that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics read more diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate diagnostic tests. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to pay for a private assessment.