ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But is it really working?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you love has ADHD, you should consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are some concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
It's not a surprise, then that more adults opt to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran tests over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment usually starts with a series of questionnaires for screening which you'll be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results will assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. adhd uk diagnosis will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive test. Based on your situation, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be needed.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private providers for their assessment. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This can include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history, as well as social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD rating scales and may also ask your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.
When assessing adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more signs over six months that are serious enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also assess your work and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardship, an abuse history, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you are able to request a new assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication in this way. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor should be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.
If your physician determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It may be due to your inability to provide enough information about your struggles or they believe that a different condition can explain your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the diagnosis you may seek a second opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints process.
Whether you go private or access NHS care, the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy, and it's important to consider that your clinician may find the process difficult. This isn't due to the people affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a reliable, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to look at alternatives.
It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to be given the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other social and health situations that could influence how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your issues. Contact us or make an appointment online to find out how we can assist you.
What happens if I don't want to take a medication?
You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to Choose' pathway which is a lot quicker.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and some validated assessments. This will help your clinician determine the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential to give accurate and honest answers.
If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the implications of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.
The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, particularly because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this isn't the case because we aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as an academic discipline. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting time, it could make sense to pay for an assessment.