ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were reported. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?
Why do I require a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you know has ADHD You should consult a specialist who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe best treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can 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 waiting for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Many people also think that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.
In the light of these issues it's not surprising that more people are opting to seek an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and telling patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of screening questions, which you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The physician will then conduct a thorough assessment of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your personal doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be required.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and frustrating. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their evaluation. This could save time and stress, but it's important to recognize that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing or vision. It will also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also use standardized ADHD rating scales and might be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also look to determine whether these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your social and work history to rule out any issues such as financial hardship, an abuse history, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they think that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.
People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medications in this manner. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and also because it's costly.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. It could be that you haven't given enough details about your struggles or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or go through the NHS complaints process.
Whether you go private or access NHS healthcare the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy and it's worth considering that your clinician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the people who are involved.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must make sure they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put patients in danger. This is a national scourge and a valid reason to think about alternatives.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to be given an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is a member of a minority group or was a female at birth or has any other health or social issues that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
We can help if you find your life negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your concerns. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a call to see what we can do to help.
What happens if you don't wish me to take my medication?
You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right to Choose option, which is much quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is essential to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an diagnosis. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the implications of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if used in a safe manner.
The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it could be recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is also important to be aware of other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed more info as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact and psychiatry is not a science at all. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS wait times, it is possible to take out an individual assessment.