ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it effective?
What is the reason I need an individual diagnosis?
If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can assess your health and provide the proper treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you both time and money in the end.
There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.
In the face of these challenges it's not surprising that more adults are opting to seek a private assessment. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics ran tests over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and return to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment program.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if required.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and painful. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. This could include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history and medical and social history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They might also utilize standard ADHD ratings scales, and may want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are serious enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your work and social background to rule out issues like financial hardship or a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.
If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain why. It may be because you did not give enough detail about your difficulties or because they believe another condition explains your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the outcome, you can ask for an alternative opinion from a different clinician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or access NHS healthcare the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy and it's important to consider that your clinician might find the process frustrating. This isn't because of the people affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they offer a robust, fair and safe service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a valid reason to think about alternatives.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive an assessment. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other social or health situations that could influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your issues. You can request an appointment on our website or give us a call to see what we can do to help.
What happens If you don't wish me to take my medication?
You can be diagnosed if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to send you to one of the centers that specialize in England or go through the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and the completion of some validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. The doctor will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is essential that you give accurate and truthful responses.
If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the implications of taking any medication prior to making the decision. The effects of medication last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.
If you decide to use medication, the psychiatrist will provide more info you with the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is essential to keep in mind 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 diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate diagnostic tests. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry barely is a science. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to pay for a private assessment.