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, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnostic?
If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those who suffer from the condition. Additionally, many believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.
In the light of these challenges, it's not surprising that more people are opting to undergo a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and told patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality they didn't.
A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct a detailed assessment of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will forward documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private providers to evaluate their health. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination and tests like hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history and social and medical history and will also inquire about your symptoms. They might also use the standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptom over six months that are serious enough to interfere with the demands of work or at home. They will also determine if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out problems like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication this way. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the disorder and because it's expensive.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain the reason. You may have not given enough details about your struggles, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with this choice, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different doctor or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your clinician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the people involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must make sure they provide a solid, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a valid reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other health or social issues that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your concerns. You can schedule an appointment via our website or give us call to see how we might be able to help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without taking medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of website the centers for specialists in England or by the 'Right To Choose option, which is much quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will consider your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential that you give accurate and truthful responses.
If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could be harmful if taken properly.
The doctor will issue you an appointment and a treatment 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 suggested that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, in particular because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.