ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tips received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But does it actually work?
Why do I need an individual diagnostic?
If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can accurately assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.
It's not surprising, then, that more adults choose to get a private evaluation. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients that they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questions that you are asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment to diagnose.
The clinician will then conduct a detailed examination of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is needed.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private specialists to assess their situation. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination and tests like hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They may also use standardized ADHD rating scales and may be able to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also check whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out problems such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision.
If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication in this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain the reason. You may not have given enough details about your difficulties, or they may believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the decision you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your clinician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. This isn't because of the people involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS services are stretched to the limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they offer a robust, fair and safe service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to look at alternatives.
It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female at birth or has any other health and social circumstances that affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.
If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your concerns. Contact us or make an appointment online to find out how we can assist you.
What happens if I don't want to take medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without taking medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right to Choose' pathway, which is much quicker.
Your appointment will include an assessment that is validated as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. diagnosing adhd in adults is important to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the clinician 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 be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before making a decision, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of taking the medication. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if used in a safe manner.
The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been suffering from them. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry rarely is an actual science. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to take out an assessment with a private practitioner.