ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really effective?
Why do I need a private diagnosis?
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can assess your health and provide the proper treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this could cause a lot of distress for those who suffer from the condition. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.
In light of these problems, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to go for an appointment with a private physician. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and told patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to complete and return to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history, as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and then given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is required.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long and seek out private specialists to evaluate their condition. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This may include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history, as well as social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD rating scales, and may request your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in the family or work environment. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also evaluate your social and professional history to rule out issues such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- 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 send them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor must be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate for you.
If your doctor determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. It could be that you haven't given enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or access NHS care, the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy, and it's worth considering that your clinician might find the process frustrating. This isn't because of the patients affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must make sure they offer a robust, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national scourge, and a very real reason to think about alternative options.
It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to be given the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities or were born female or have other health and social circumstances that can affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. You can call us or request an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. The NHS provides 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 through the 'Right To Choose' pathway which is a lot faster.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and some validated tests. This will help your physician understand the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the doctor decides that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. The effects of a medication are long-lasting, and may cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.
If you decide to use medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You may be given ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've experienced these symptoms for. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it website suggests that people are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate diagnostic tests. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely is an academic discipline. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being frustrated by the NHS wait times, then it can make sense to take out a private assessment.