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 as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted 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 effective?
Why do I require a private diagnostic?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment typically begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis.
The doctor will then conduct a detailed assessment of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will send paperwork to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults cannot wait that long and seek out private specialists to assess their situation. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD rating scales, and may request your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
When evaluating adults with ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom over six months that are serious enough to interfere with work or home life. They will also look at 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 background to rule out problems such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their decision.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication in this way. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they aren't experts 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 should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will then explain why. It could be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough details about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints process.
If you choose to go private or use NHS services, the wait time for an assessment could be long and it's worth pondering that your doctor may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the individuals involved.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they offer more info a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and meet the standards of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics employ shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put patients in danger. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to think about alternatives.
It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group or was a female at birth, or has other health and social circumstances that can influence how medical professionals view their symptoms.
We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a call to see what we can do to assist.
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 take medication, it's possible to get a diagnosis without taking medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers that specialize in England or use the 'Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician understand the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will consider your past experiences and family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers.
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 provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.
When you choose to take medication, the doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is important to also be aware of 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 treat ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient evaluations of clinical conditions. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.