ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation took place after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnostic?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who can accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns regarding the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.
In the light of these challenges it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questions that you are asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history, as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily 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 plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will submit paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if needed.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Many adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private providers for their assessment. This can save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical exam and tests such as hearing or vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales of rating, and may request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms over six months that are severe enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out issues such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication in this way. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor must be respectful and empathetic 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 might be able suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.
If your doctor determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will explain the reasons why. It could be due to your inability to provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe that another condition is responsible for your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the outcome, you can seek another opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure.
If you choose to go private or access NHS care the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy and it's important to consider that your clinician might find the process frustrating. This isn't because of the individuals involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other health and social circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can help you if think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your issues. You can make an appointment via our website or give us call to see what we can do to assist.
What is the consequence check here if I don't want to take medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use medication, it is 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 centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you provide accurate and truthful responses.
If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before deciding, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner.
When you choose to take medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You may be given ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. It is essential to keep in mind that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as an actual science. However, if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to pay for an individual assessment.