ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and are prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation took place after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But does it work?
What is the reason I need a private diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a doctor who can evaluate your health and provide the necessary treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is often 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 have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
In light of these challenges, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to seek an appointment with a private physician. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality they didn't.
A private assessment usually starts with a series of questionnaires for screening which you'll be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history, as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The clinician will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will submit documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy if required.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and painful. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private specialists to determine their situation. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This may include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They may also utilize the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to disrupt the demands of work or at home. They will also determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this information with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. However, GPs have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the condition and because it is expensive.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain why. It could be that you haven't provided enough information about your struggles, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with this decision you may seek an additional opinion from a different physician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS healthcare waiting times for an assessment can be long and it's worth considering that your doctor may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched too thin and this is not the fault of the individuals affected.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics employ techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group or was a female at birth or has any other social and health issues which can affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
We can help if you think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can offer support and treatment for your problems. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a phone to discuss what we can do to assist you.
What happens when you don't want me to take my medication?
You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't need to take any medication. You can obtain 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 follow the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will comprise a validated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to understand how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The doctor will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers.
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 essential to consider the implications of taking any medication prior to making the decision. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.
If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this isn't the case because we aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an actual science. If adhd diagnosis uk adults experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it is possible to get an assessment with a private practitioner.