ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really working?
Why do I require a private diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can accurately assess your health and provide the appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS but 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 the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.
In the light of these problems it's not surprising that more people are opting to undergo an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The doctor will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and then given a treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, if required.
What happens if I don't receive an appointment?
A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also inquire about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They might also utilize standard ADHD rating scales and might want to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your professional and social background to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. However, GPs have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and also because it's expensive.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. 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 doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain the reason. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your difficulties, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints process.
It's important to consider that your physician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and this is not the fault of the people affected.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to look at alternatives.
It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that can influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
If diagnose adult adhd struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your problems. Contact us today or request an appointment online to find out what we can do 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 wish to use medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without taking medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England or by the 'Right to choose route which is a lot more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to know how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you give accurate and truthful responses.
If the clinician determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and be harmful if taken in a proper manner.
If you decide to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've experienced them. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry rarely is an actual science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.