ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation took place after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work?
Why do I require a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you love has ADHD It is important to find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you both 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. In the end, patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this 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 as high as it could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they weren't.
A private assessment usually starts with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send paperwork to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private clinician to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is necessary.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate 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 can't endure this long and go to private specialists for their assessment. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing or vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They might also utilize standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may need to request your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also determine if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. adhd diagnosis uk adults I Am Psychiatry will also review your social and work background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties, the history of abuse and alcohol or drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.
If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication this way. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's costly.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your doctor determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. It could be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your clinician might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the individuals affected.
GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national scandal and a compelling reason to think about alternatives.
It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with 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 health and social circumstances that can affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your problems. Contact us or make an appointment online to discuss how we can help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?
You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or use the 'Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinical interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your clinician understand the way these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is crucial that you give honest and truthful information.
If the clinician finds 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 are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before deciding, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. The effects of a medication last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.
When you choose to take medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for. It is also important to remember that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of insufficient evaluations of clinical conditions. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might be a good idea to pay for an assessment.