ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and are prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective?
Why do I need an individual diagnostic?
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a professional who can accurately assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS, a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to undergo a private examination. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and telling patients that they had ADHD when, in fact they didn't.
A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questions that you must complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose.
The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy if required.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private professionals for an assessment. This could save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales, and may ask your caregivers or teachers 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 that are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also assess your work and social life history to rule out problems such as financial hardship or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.
People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication this way. However, doctors have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and because it's expensive.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.
If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain the reason. It could be that you haven't given enough details about your struggles or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your doctor might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the patients affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limit.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a reliable, fair and safe service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national scourge and a compelling reason to consider alternatives.
It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to be given a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other health and social circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us or make an appointment online to find out what we can do to help.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. get an adhd diagnosis offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England or by the 'Right to Choose option which is a lot quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and some validated tests. This will allow your doctor to know how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is crucial to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the clinician determines 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 using medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner.
If you decide to use medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it could be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We are hesitant to say that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely is a science. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to get an assessment with a private practitioner.