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 medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it effective?
Why do I need a private diagnostic?
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a specialist who can evaluate your condition and provide the proper treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are some concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.
In the face of these challenges, it's not surprising that more adults are opting to seek an assessment by a private doctor. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and told patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment usually starts with a series of screening questions which you'll be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if required.
What happens if I don't receive an appointment?
In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. 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 evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to note that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This can include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family background and your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD rating scales, and may ask your caregivers or teachers to give you a score.
When evaluating adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also consider 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 look at your work and social life background to rule out issues like financial hardship or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management under the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, doctors have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the disorder and because it is expensive.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that adhd adults diagnosis must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they 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. 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) more effectively than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints process.
No matter if you opt for private or use NHS services waiting times for an appointment can be lengthy and it's important to consider that your doctor might find the process frustrating. This isn't because of the individuals involved, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limit.
GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and meet the standards of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national issue and a valid reason to consider alternatives.
It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to be given an assessment. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities or born female or have other social or health situations that could affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
We can assist you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your problems. You can call us or make an appointment online to learn how we can assist you.
What happens If you don't want me take my medication?
You can get a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take 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 centres for specialist assessment in England or by the 'Right to choose route which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to provide honest and truthful information.
If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication prior to making a decision. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.
If you decide to use medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. 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 diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We're not sure that this doesn't happen since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.