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 occurred after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it effective?
What is the reason I need a private diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a professional who can accurately assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns regarding the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Many think that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be.
It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to get a private evaluation. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't.
A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires that you must complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then review your medical background and family history, as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send documentation to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be necessary.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and painful. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private specialists for their evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a physical examination as well as tests like hearing and vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales and may also request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When evaluating adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs within a period of six months that are severe enough to disrupt the demands of work or at home. They will also look to determine whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your work and social life history to rule out problems such as financial hardship or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this information with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest other treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain why. You may not have given 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 follow the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS services the wait time for an appointment can be long and it's worth considering that your doctor might find the process frustrating. This isn't due to the patients involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to the limit.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to look at alternatives.
It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female at birth or has any other health and social circumstances that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
We can help if you think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your concerns. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out what we can do to help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
You can receive a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not need to take any medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your physician know the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into account your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial that you give truthful and accurate information.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with a diagnosis. You will be here asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. The effects of medications are long-lasting, and may be dangerous when taken improperly.
The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it could be recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an academic discipline. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be beneficial to pay for an assessment.