ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you 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. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients they had ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.
A private assessment usually starts with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then review your medical background and family history, as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The clinician will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if required.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private providers for their evaluation. This can help save time and stress, but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This may include a physical examination and tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who conducts the assessment will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They might also utilize standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more signs over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also look at your social and work background to rule out issues such as financial hardship, the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this information with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, doctors have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and also because it's expensive.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain why. You may have not given enough details about your issues or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the decision you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
If you choose to go private or use NHS services, the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. This isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to its limits.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics use techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national catastrophe and a real reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other social or health situations that could affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to help you overcome your issues. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a an email to find out what we can do to assist.
What happens if I don't want to take medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to recommend you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will comprise an authenticated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to provide honest and truthful information.
If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with an diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.
The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been suffering from them. It is essential here 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 caused a lot of controversy in particular because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be beneficial to pay for an assessment.