ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work?
Why do I need a private diagnostic?
If you or someone you love has ADHD You should seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe best treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.
In the face of these problems, it's not surprising that more adults are opting to undergo a private assessment. 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 rushed through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't.
A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires you are asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The doctor will then conduct a thorough review of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will submit documentation to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to note that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing or vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales for rating and ask your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
When evaluating adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are severe enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also check whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social life history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. However, GPs have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and also because it's expensive.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. 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 physician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. It may be due to your inability to give enough detail about your issues or they believe that a different condition can explain your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you are not happy with the outcome you may seek another opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your physician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the patients involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to think about alternative options.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that influence how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support website 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 is the next step if I don't wish to take 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 recommend you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician determine how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate information.
If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision, it is important to consider the pros and cons of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.
The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take a medication. 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 been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We are reticent to say that this does not happen since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.