ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred following tips received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective?
Why do I need an individual diagnosis?
If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can assess your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.
It's not surprising, therefore, that more adults choose to undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and told patients they had ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.
A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history, as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with a request for a'shared-care agreement'. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Some adults cannot wait that long and seek out private providers to evaluate their situation. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This may include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history and your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD ratings scales, and may want to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms over six months that are severe enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your social and professional history to rule out problems like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication this way. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and also because it is expensive.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your physician website isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they provide the reasons for this. It may be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your difficulties or because they believe that a different condition can explain your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with this choice then you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your clinician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the people involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit.
GPs also have to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to look at other options.
It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social or health circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can help you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your concerns. Contact us or make an appointment online to discuss how we can help.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
You can receive a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to determine how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The doctor will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is important that you provide honest and truthful information.
If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD They can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could be harmful if taken in a proper manner.
The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is important to also be aware of other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, particularly because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case because we are inexact, and psychiatry barely a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could make sense to pay for an assessment.