ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs following unreliable video assessments in private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were reported. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should find a doctor who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are some concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Many people think that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be.
In the face of these challenges, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to undergo an appointment with a private physician. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone and telling patients they had ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you are asked to complete and return to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose.
The physician will then conduct a detailed review of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment program.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'shared care agreement'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if required.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their assessment. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to keep in mind that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a medical exam and tests such as hearing or vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family background and medical and social history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD scales for rating and may also request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When evaluating adults with ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more symptom within a period of six months that are serious enough to disrupt the demands of work or at home. They will also determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your work and social history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties, a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.
Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can send 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, doctors have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the disorder and because it's costly.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor must be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. 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 to suggest other treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.
If your doctor determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. It could be that you haven't provided enough information about your difficulties, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with this decision, you can ask for another opinion from a different clinician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or use NHS healthcare the wait time for an appointment can be long and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. This isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits.
GPs are trying to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to look at other options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has other health or social issues that affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.
We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and can provide support and treatment for your problems. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a call to see how we might be able to help.
What happens if you don't want me take my medication?
You can be diagnosed 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 send you to one of the specialist centers in England or use the 'Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into account your past experiences and family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the clinician determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. The effects of medication are long-term, and can have serious side effects if taken incorrectly.
The doctor will issue you the prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it could be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. However, if www.iampsychiatry.uk experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to get an assessment with a private practitioner.