ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you love has ADHD You should find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those suffering. Additionally, many think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
In the light of these issues it's not a surprise that more people are opting to seek an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the phone and told patients they were ADHD even though they were not.
A private examination will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then conduct a detailed review of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The doctor will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. adult adhd diagnosis uk permits you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is necessary.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long and look for private doctors to determine their health. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This could include a physical examination and tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales for rating, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to affect the family or work environment. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your work and social life history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties, an abuse history, 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 meet the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. However, doctors have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the disorder and because it's expensive.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician 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 clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain why. It may be due to your inability to give enough detail about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints process.
No matter if you opt for private or access NHS healthcare waiting times for an assessment could be long and it's worth considering that your doctor may find the process difficult. This is not because of the patients affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limit.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they provide a solid and safe, fair and fair service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to consider alternative options.
It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other social or health circumstances that influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you are 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 support and treatment for your problems. Contact us today or make an appointment online to find out what we can do to help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?
You can receive a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor 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 online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your physician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is crucial that you provide honest and truthful information.
If the clinician determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if used in a safe manner.
The psychiatrist will give you the prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as an actual science. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS wait times, it is possible to pay for an assessment with a private practitioner.