ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it effective?
Why do I require a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you know has ADHD You should find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe the best treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Many people feel that the NHS assessment services are not as good as they could be.
In light of these problems, it's not surprising that more people are opting to go for an appointment with a private physician. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and told patients they were ADHD when they were not.
A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questions that you must fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment to diagnose.
The physician will then conduct a detailed assessment of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The doctor will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with a request for a'shared-care agreement'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is required.
What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment?
In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private specialists to assess their situation. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to note that it does not 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 examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family background and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD scales of rating, and may request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When evaluating adults with ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their decision.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can access medication in this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's costly.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor should be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest other treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. It may be because you did not provide enough details about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints process.
It's important to consider that your doctor may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the individuals involved.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the standards of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to look at alternatives.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of a minority ethnic background or born female or have other social or health situations that could affect the way medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
We can help you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out what we can do to assist.
What happens when you don't want me to take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right To Choose route, which is much quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinical interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they affect your daily routine. adhd diagnosis uk adults will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. The effects of a medication last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects if taken incorrectly.
When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been suffering from them. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to claim that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely is an academic discipline. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.