ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private examination. But does it work?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you love has ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe best treatment. Although many people opt 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 deal with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.
It's not a surprise, then that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD when they were not.
A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questionnaires you are asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results aid the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose.
The physician will then conduct a thorough assessment of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will submit documentation to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their assessment. This can save you time and stress, 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 could include a medical examination and tests like hearing or vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also utilize standardized ADHD rating scales and might need to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more signs over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also look at your work and social history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties, a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.
During adhd private diagnosis , 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. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management under the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will then explain the reason. You may have not given enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with this decision then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different physician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or access NHS care waiting times for an appointment can be lengthy and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people involved.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use shortcut diagnostic methods, which could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and an excellent reason to consider other options.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities or born female or have other social and health situations that could affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can help you if think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to offer support and treatment for your problems. Contact us today or make an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help.
What happens if you don't want me to take my medication?
You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England, or through the 'Right to Choose' pathway, which is much quicker.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and some validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to determine how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the doctor decides that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if used in a safe manner.
The doctor will issue you an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been suffering from them. It is essential to remember that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to take out a private assessment.