ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed strong drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation took place after tips were reported. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really working?
Why do I require a private diagnosis?
If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a professional who can accurately assess your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Many think that the NHS assessment services aren't as effective as they could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then conduct a detailed examination of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They 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 program.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form for a'shared-care agreement'. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private clinician to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is required.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A good diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private specialists to evaluate their health. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family history and your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD rating scales and request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When evaluating adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to disrupt the demands of work or at home. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also assess your social and work background to rule out issues like financial hardship, a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment 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 they disagree with their decision.
If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. However, doctors have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the condition and because it's costly.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your doctor finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. You may not have given enough details about your struggles or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or go through the NHS complaints process.
Whether you go private or access NHS care waiting times for an assessment could be lengthy and it's worth pondering that your clinician may find the process difficult. This is not because of the people involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to its limits.
GPs are trying to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). 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.
The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national catastrophe and a real reason to consider alternative options.
It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other social and health circumstances that affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. You can call us or make an appointment online to discuss how we can help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through more info the NHS. You could ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers for specialists in England or follow the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. The clinician will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers.
If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner.
When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will give you the prescription and plan. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've experienced them. However, it's 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 diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry hardly is a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to pay for an individual assessment.