ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed strong drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But does it actually work?
Why do I need a private diagnostic?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should seek out a professional who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Furthermore, a lot of people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good 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 grave concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients that they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. 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 an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will send documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
A clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. how is adult adhd diagnosed are unable to wait that long and seek out private providers to determine their health. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history and social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales for rating, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your professional and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive.
What is my next step if I disagree with 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 can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they provide the reasons for this. You may not have provided enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the diagnosis, you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints process.
It is important to remember that your clinician might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the people affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit.
GPs are trying to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they provide a solid and safe, fair and fair service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which can put patients in danger. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to look at other options.
It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when 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.
We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. You can make 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 when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not want to take medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to recommend you to one of the centers that specialize in England or follow the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers.
If the clinician determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and be harmful if taken in a proper manner.
If you decide to use medication, the doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate diagnostic tests. We hesitate to claim that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is a science. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, then it can make sense to pay for a private assessment.