ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe best treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Many people also think that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they 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. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they weren't.
A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then conduct an in-depth examination of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This allows 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, in the event that it is necessary.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Some adults can't endure this long and go to private professionals for an assessment. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical exam and tests, such as hearing and vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family history and your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They might also employ the standard ADHD rating scales and might want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs within a period of six months that are serious enough to cause disruption in the demands of work or at home. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can decide to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the disorder and because it's expensive.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments 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 the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the outcome you may seek an additional opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your doctor might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the people involved.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must make sure they offer a robust and safe, fair and fair service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national scourge and a compelling 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 especially true when they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other health and social situations that could affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can offer support and treatment for your problems. You can request an appointment online or give us a an click here email to find out what we can do to help.
What happens when you don't want me to take my medication?
You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to choose option, which is much quicker.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will allow your clinician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they affect your daily routine. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can give you an assessment. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. The effects of medication are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects if taken incorrectly.
The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is important to also keep in mind that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. However, if you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to take out an assessment with a private practitioner.