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 following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnostic?
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a professional who can assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. While a lot of people choose 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 cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
In the light of these issues it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to seek an assessment by a private doctor. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results are used to help the clinician decide whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if needed.
What happens if I don't receive an appointment?
A good diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and difficult. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private professionals for an assessment. This can help save time and frustration, but it's important to understand that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can give more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This could include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also involve 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 could also use standardized ADHD rating scales and may want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also check if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out problems such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
Individuals who have an official 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. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and also because it's expensive.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain why. You may have not provided enough details about your difficulties, or they may believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints process.
If adhd diagnosis adults uk choose to go private or access NHS services waiting times for an appointment can be long and it's important to consider that your clinician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the people involved.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they are offering a robust 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 use quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to think about alternative options.
It is important to remember that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to be given an assessment. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social and health circumstances that influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. You can call us or make an appointment online to find out what we can do to help.
What happens If you don't want me take my medication?
You can get a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not want to take medication. You can obtain 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 go through the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include an assessment that is validated as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The doctor will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential that you provide accurate and truthful responses.
If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is essential to consider the pros and cons of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may be harmful if taken properly.
If you decide to use medication, your doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. You could be given ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've experienced them. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as a science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.