ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective?
Why do I require a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should consult a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS but private diagnosis may be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. Many people also feel that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
In light of these challenges it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to go for an assessment by a private doctor. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results are used to help the clinician decide whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The clinician will then conduct an in-depth examination of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is required.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge 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 seek out private providers to determine their condition. This could save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as 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 at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to affect the home or in the workplace. They will also look to determine whether these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out issues such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication this way. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and because it's expensive.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.
If your clinician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. It may be because you did not provide enough details about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the outcome, you can seek another opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your clinician might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the individuals affected.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the standards of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national scourge and a valid reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth or has other health and social circumstances that can influence the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
We can assist you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your concerns. You can call us or request an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help.
What happens If you don't want me to take my medication?
You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't need to take any medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right to Choose route which is more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and certain validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to understand the way these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is essential that you give accurate and truthful responses.
If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with an assessment. ADHD Diagnosis will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication before making an informed decision. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.
The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. It is important to also remember 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 that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment with a private practitioner.