ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs following unreliable video assessments in private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were reported. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?
Why do I need a private diagnostic?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS, private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns regarding the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those suffering. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to see if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results of these tests help the doctor determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then conduct a thorough review of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with a form for a'shared-care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private specialists to evaluate their situation. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to keep in mind that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history and your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD scales for rating, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also review your work and social life history to rule out problems such as financial hardship or a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they think that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication in this way. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the condition and because it's expensive.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses 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 given enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the outcome, you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints process.
Whether you go private or use NHS healthcare, the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy and it's important to consider that your doctor may find the process difficult. The NHS is overstretched and it's not the fault of the people who are involved.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure they provide a solid safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed 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 a valid reason to consider alternatives.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background or born female or have other social and health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can help you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your difficulties. You can call us or make an appointment online to learn how we can assist you.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without the need for medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or by the 'Right to choose option which is faster.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is essential to give accurate and honest answers.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medication. more info The effects of a medication are long-term, and can have serious side effects if taken incorrectly.
If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you a plan and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it might be recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is important to also keep in mind that there are 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 diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.