ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe most 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 about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
In light of these challenges it's not a surprise that more people are opting to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you are asked to complete and return to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then conduct an in-depth examination of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment program.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will forward documentation to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medications 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 needed.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A good diagnosis and the appropriate 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. Some adults are unable to wait that long to look for private doctors to determine their health. This can help save time and stress, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This could include a physical examination as well as tests like hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales of rating and may also request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in the family or work environment. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.
Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medications in this manner. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition or because it's costly.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.
If your physician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. It could be due to your inability to give enough detail about your struggles more info or they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with this choice, you can ask for an alternative opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your doctor may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. This isn't because of the individuals involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the standards of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to consider other options.
It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true if the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth or has other social and health issues that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to address your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a phone to discuss how we might be able to help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without taking medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers that specialize in England or follow the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will consider your past experiences and family history. It is crucial that you provide honest and truthful information.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication before making an informed decision. The effects of medications are long-term, and can be dangerous when taken improperly.
If you decide to take medication, your doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. Based on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is also important to keep in mind that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate in particular because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this isn't the case because we aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.