ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work?
Why do I need an individual diagnosis?
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a doctor who can assess your condition and provide you with the proper treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those suffering. Many believe that the NHS assessment services are not as good as they could be.
In the light 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 grave concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then conduct a detailed examination of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The doctor will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Many adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private providers for their evaluation. This can help save time and frustration, but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They might also utilize the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to affect the family or work environment. They will also determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. read article will also look at your professional and social history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their decision.
Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can access medications in this manner. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you.
If your physician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your difficulties or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with this choice then you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or take advantage of NHS services waiting times for an assessment could be long and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the standards of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national scourge and a valid reason to look at alternatives.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity, was assigned female at birth, or has other health or social issues that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
We can assist you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can provide support and treatment for your problems. You can request an appointment online or give us a phone to discuss what we can do to assist.
What happens If you don't want me take my medication?
You can get a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to send you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician understand the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your past experiences and family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking any medication. The effects of a medication last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.
The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it could be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is essential to keep in mind that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case because we are inexact and psychiatry is barely a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.