ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments at private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place following tips received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it effective?
Why do I need a private diagnostic?
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a professional who can assess your condition and provide the necessary treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those suffering. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.
In adhd diagnosis uk adults of these challenges, it's not surprising that more adults are opting to seek a private assessment. 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 claimed that patients were ADHD when they were not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then conduct a detailed assessment of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances, 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 form for a 'shared care agreement'. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy if needed.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private providers for their assessment. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family background and medical and social history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your work and social life history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.
If you are 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 with ADHD can get medication this way. Some GPs 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 happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor must 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 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 decides that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain the reason. You may not have given enough details about your difficulties, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with this choice you may seek an alternative opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
If you choose to go private or access NHS care, the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy and it's worth considering that your doctor may find the process difficult. This is not because of the individuals affected, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a solid safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics use shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put people in danger. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to look at 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 an assessment. This is particularly true if they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other social and health situations that could affect the way medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. You can request an appointment via our website or give us call to see what we can do to help.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or by the 'Right to choose route, which is much faster.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to know how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential to give accurate and honest answers.
If a doctor determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can be dangerous if taken incorrectly.
If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist will give you a plan and a prescription. You could be given ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry barely is an actual science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.