ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But does it actually work?
Why do I need an individual diagnosis?
If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can assess your health and provide the appropriate treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate 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. Furthermore, a lot of people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.
It's not a surprise, then that more adults opt to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they weren't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with paperwork for a'shared-care agreement'. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
A good diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive 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 that long and instead turn to private specialists for their assessment. This can save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical exam and tests like hearing or vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also utilize standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom within a period of six months that are serious enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also check whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your work and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardship, a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform you if they think that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication in this way. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication 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?
Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant problems 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 clinician determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. It may be because you did not give enough detail about your difficulties or because they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you are not happy with this decision then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your doctor may find the assessment process difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and it's not the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize quick diagnostic techniques, which can put people in danger. This is a national scandal and a compelling reason to look at alternatives.
It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female at birth, or has other health or social issues that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide support and treatment for your issues. Contact us or make an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will include a validated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential that you give truthful and accurate information.
If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an diagnosis. 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 prior to making the decision. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.
When you choose to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it could be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The www.adhddiagnosis.top BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient evaluations of clinical conditions. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.