ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe best treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.
There are some concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.
In the face of these challenges, it's not surprising that more adults are opting to go for a private assessment. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and telling patients they had ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis.
The physician will then conduct a detailed review of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be necessary.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Many adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their evaluation. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk could save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. This will include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also utilize standardized ADHD rating scales and may want to request your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also determine whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also assess your work and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardship or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision.
Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication 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 if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you.
If your physician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. It could be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your issues or they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints process.
Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS care the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy and it's worth pondering that your doctor may find the process difficult. This isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS services are stretched to its limits.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a real reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female at birth, or has other social and health issues that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to address your issues. Contact us or make an appointment online to discuss how we can help.
What happens if I don't want to take a medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right to choose option, which is much faster.
Your appointment will include an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to determine how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers.
If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before deciding, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medication. The effects of medications are long-term, and can be dangerous if taken incorrectly.
When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been experiencing 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 exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as an academic discipline. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be beneficial to pay for an assessment.