ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But is it really working?
Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and provide the necessary treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those affected. Many people feel that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
It's not surprising, therefore, that more adults choose to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and told patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact they didn't.
A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history, as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will submit paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their evaluation. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical exam and tests such as hearing or vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history and social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They may also employ standard ADHD rating scales and might want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to cause disruption in work or family life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also review your work and social life history to rule out any issues like financial hardship or a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will more info be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their decision.
If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain the reason. It could be that you haven't provided enough information about your difficulties or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis, you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or go through the NHS complaints process.
If you choose to go private or use NHS care, the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the standards of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put people in danger. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to look at alternative options.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background or born female or have other social or health circumstances that influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide support and treatment for your problems. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a phone to discuss what we can do to assist you.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinical interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to know the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential that you provide accurate and truthful responses.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with an assessment. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. The effects of medication last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.
The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take a medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've experienced them. It is also important to remember 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 that treat ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We're not sure that this doesn't happen because we are inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to get an assessment with a private practitioner.