ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really working?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the best treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait 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 effective as they could be.
It's not a surprise, then that more adults opt to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD when, in fact they didn't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history, as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will send documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy if needed.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private specialists to evaluate their condition. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They could also utilize standardized ADHD rating scales and might want to ask your teachers or caregivers for their 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 that are severe enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. 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 review your social and professional history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse.
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 they disagree with their decision.
If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. However, doctors have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the disorder and because it's expensive.
What if how to get an adult adhd diagnosis disagree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.
If your doctor finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will explain the reasons why. You may have not given enough details about your issues 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 procedure.
It's important to consider that your clinician might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the individuals affected, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limit.
GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics use shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put patients in danger. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to consider alternatives.
It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your problems. You can call us or make an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or by the 'Right To Choose' pathway, which is much faster.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinical interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your experiences in the past and your family history. It is important to provide honest and truthful information.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD They can give you an assessment. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is crucial to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.
If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. It is important to also remember that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.