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 as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really working?
Why do I need an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you know has ADHD You should seek out a professional who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can be a source of stress 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 undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.
A private assessment will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires that you are asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results will assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The clinician will then conduct a thorough review of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will send documents to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an assessment. This could save time and stress, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a physical examination and tests like hearing and vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They could also utilize the standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to affect work or family life. They will also look to determine whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your work and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardship, a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication in this way. However, undiagnosed adhd in adults have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the disorder and because it is expensive.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your issues or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with this choice, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your doctor may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. This is not because of the individuals affected, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limit.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they offer a robust, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national scourge and a valid reason to consider alternatives.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity, was assigned female at birth, or has other health and social circumstances which can affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. Contact us or make an appointment online to find out how we can assist you.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right to Choose option which is a lot quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and some validated tests. This will help your clinician understand the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential that you provide honest and truthful information.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.
The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, as well as the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it could be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate diagnostic tests. We're not sure that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to take out a private assessment.