ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But is it really working?
Why do I need an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
In light of these issues, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to seek an appointment with a private physician. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and told patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality they didn't.
A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment to diagnose.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history, as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward documentation to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is required.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. adhd diagnosis uk adults can't wait this long and turn to private specialists for their evaluation. 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 specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history, as well as medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD scales of rating and may also ask your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.
When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to interfere in the family or work environment. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your professional and social history to rule out issues such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you don't meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor should be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.
If your clinician determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. It may be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe that another condition is responsible for your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with this choice, you can ask for another opinion from a different physician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or use NHS healthcare the wait time for an appointment can be long and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is overstretched and it's not the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose exposed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and an excellent reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth or has other health or social issues that can influence the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. Contact how to get an adult adhd diagnosis or request an appointment online to find out how we can assist you.
What happens when you don't want me to take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right To Choose' pathway which is more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The doctor will take into account your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an assessment. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. The effects of a medication last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.
The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been suffering from these symptoms for. 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 behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely is a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, it is possible to take out an assessment with a private practitioner.