ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work?
Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those suffering. Many people think that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
In the light of these challenges it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to go for an assessment by a private doctor. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires you will be asked to complete and return to the clinician. The screenings are designed to see if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis.
The doctor will then conduct an in-depth review of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then 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 enable 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 required.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and difficult. Many adults can't wait that long and look for private doctors to determine their condition. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They could also utilize standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their 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 cause disruption in work or family life. They will also determine if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your work and social life background to rule out issues such as financial hardship, the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication this way. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor should be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you.
If your doctor determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. It could be that you haven't given enough details about your issues or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome, you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or go through the NHS complaints process.
It is important to remember that your physician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the individuals affected.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put people in danger. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to look at alternatives.
It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other social or health circumstances that can influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your problems. You can make an appointment online or give us a phone to discuss how we might be able to help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it's possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or by the 'Right to choose' pathway, which is much faster.
adult adhd diagnosis uk will consist of an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they affect your daily routine. The doctor will take into consideration your past experiences and your family history. It is crucial that you give honest and truthful information.
If the clinician determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. The effects of medication are long-term, and can be dangerous when taken improperly.
The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour 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 misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely is an academic discipline. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being frustrated by the NHS wait times, it is possible to get a private assessment.
