ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken 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 believe that you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a professional who can accurately assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS but private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those affected. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to have a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics ran tests over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they were not.
A private examination will typically begin with a series of screening questions that you must complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis.
The doctor will then conduct a detailed examination of your medical and family background, as well as 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 then given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be required.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
adhd uk diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long to look for private doctors to determine their situation. This can save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This may include a medical exam and tests such as hearing or vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family background and social and medical history and will also inquire about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD scales for rating, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also check if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their decision.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and because it's costly.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other treatment options that are more appropriate for you.
If your clinician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. It may be because you did not give enough detail about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the diagnosis you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints process.
It's important to consider that your doctor may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This is not because of the people affected, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limits.
GPs also have to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to think about alternative options.
It is important to remember that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to be given a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of a minority ethnic background or born female or have other social and health situations that could affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out what we can do to assist you.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without a prescription. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to recommend you to one of the centers that specialize in England or go through the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will enable your doctor to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily activities. The clinician will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.
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 you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects when taken improperly.
The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient clinical assessments. We're not sure that this doesn't happen because we are inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to take out an individual assessment.