ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnostic?
If you or someone you love has ADHD, you should consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Many people feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to get a private evaluation. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone and told patients that they had ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private assessment usually starts with a series of screening questions which you'll be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. 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 assessment of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will send documentation to your GP to sign 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 required.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and painful. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private providers for their assessment. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis 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 background and your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They might also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and might be able to request your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social history to rule out any issues such as financial hardship or a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can access medication in this way. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's costly.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain the reason. It could be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome, you can ask for another opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your clinician might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and it's not the fault of the individuals involved.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC 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 national tragedy and a real reason to look at other options.
It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other social or health circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
We can assist you if think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to address your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a call to see what we can do to assist.
What happens when you don't want me take my medication?
You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't need to take any medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England, or through the 'Right to Choose option which is a lot quicker.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and certain validated assessments. This will help your clinician determine the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of taking a medication. The effects of a medication last for a long time, and they can be dangerous in the event of a misjudgment.
The psychiatrist will give you the prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is also important to keep in mind that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD check here symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry barely is an academic discipline. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it can make sense to take out a private assessment.