ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs following unreliable video assessments in private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tips received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it effective?
Why do I require a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Additionally, many think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.
In the light of these challenges it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to undergo a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter 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 cost) while seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private providers for their assessment. This can help save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't 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 medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD scales of rating and ask your caregivers or teachers to rate you.
When evaluating adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom over six months that are severe enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also check whether these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardship or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug misuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision.
Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD check here can decide to share this with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. However, doctors have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and because it's expensive.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to 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 why. You may have not provided enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints process.
It is important to be aware that your physician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This is not because of the individuals affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to its limits.
GPs are trying to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they provide a reliable and safe, fair and fair service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to look at alternatives.
It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other social or health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. You can call us or make an appointment online to learn how we can help.
What happens when you don't wish me to take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without the need for medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to recommend you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician know the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The doctor will take into consideration your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages 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.
If you decide to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. You could be given ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen because we are inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be beneficial to pay for an assessment.