ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But does it actually work?
Why do I need a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD You should find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
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 extremely distressing for those who are affected. Many people also feel 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 opting to go for a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and telling patients they had ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of screening questions which you'll be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The physician will then conduct an in-depth examination of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write 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 charge) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private providers for their assessment. This could save time and stress, but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They might also employ the standard ADHD rating scales and may need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more signs within a period of six months that are severe enough to interfere with the demands of work or at home. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your social and work history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties, the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform 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 can decide to share this information with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, GPs have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the disorder and because it is expensive.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.
If your doctor finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. It may be because you did not provide enough information about your issues or they believe another condition explains your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with this decision you may seek an additional opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment is important to remember that your clinician may find the assessment process difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs also have to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to think about alternative options.
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 the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has any other health and social circumstances which can affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your issues. Contact us or make an appointment online to find out how we can assist you.
What happens If you don't wish me to take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without taking medication. You can receive 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 use the 'Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential to provide honest and truthful information.
If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner.
The doctor will issue you the prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based 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 manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients 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 rarely qualifies as an actual science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to pay for an individual assessment.