ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tips received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work?
Why do I need an individual diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a professional who can evaluate your condition and provide the necessary treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money.
There are some concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.
In light of these issues it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they were not.
A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questions that you are asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to help the clinician decide whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct a detailed examination of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. Based on your situation, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if needed.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
A clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and difficult. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private professionals for an assessment. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This may include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history and your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may need to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and also because it's expensive.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain the reason. You may have not provided enough information about your struggles, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or go through the NHS complaints process.
If you choose to go private or access NHS healthcare the wait time for an appointment can be long and it's important to consider that your doctor might find the process frustrating. This is not because of the people involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limit.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which can put patients in danger. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to look at alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth or has other social and health issues which can affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to address your concerns. You can make an appointment online or give us a call to see how we might be able to assist you.
What happens when you don't wish me to take my medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to choose option which is quicker.
Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician understand how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you give accurate and truthful responses.
If the clinician determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. 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 an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as an academic discipline. However, if adhd uk diagnosis are experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS wait times, it can make sense to take out an assessment with a private practitioner.