ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it effective?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD You should find a doctor who can accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns regarding the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Many people also think that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.
In the light of these problems it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to undergo an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of screening questions which you'll be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The doctor will then conduct a detailed examination of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. 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 send a letter to your GP with a form for a'shared-care agreement'. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if needed.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Some adults cannot wait that long and look for private doctors to determine their health. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD scales of rating and may also ask your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are serious enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out problems like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can decide to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. It could be because you did not provide enough details about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with this choice then you can seek another opinion here from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your physician might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and it's not the fault of the people involved.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they offer a robust, fair and safe service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to think about alternatives.
It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other social and health issues that can influence the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
We can help if you think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your difficulties. You can request an appointment via our website or give us call to see what we can do to assist you.
What happens if I don't want to take medication?
You can get a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or by the 'Right to choose route which is faster.
Your appointment will comprise an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The doctor will take into account your previous experiences and family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers.
If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with an assessment. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication before making the decision. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner.
The psychiatrist will give you the prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry hardly is an actual science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be beneficial to pay for an assessment.