ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs after unreliable video call assessments at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place following tips received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it effective?
Why do I need a private diagnostic?
If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to find a doctor who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.
In light of these problems, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to go for an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and told patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires that you must complete and return to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if it is appropriate to schedule a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The clinician will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if required.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private providers to determine their condition. This can save time and stress, but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a medical exam and tests like hearing or vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD scales for rating, and may request 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 affect the family or work environment. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your work and social background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties, the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.
If you have a private 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 as ADHD can get medication in this way. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain the reason. It may be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough details about your difficulties or because they believe that another condition is responsible for your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome you may seek another opinion from a different physician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your doctor might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they offer a robust, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to be given an assessment. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other health and social circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
We can help you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us or request an appointment online to discuss how we can help.
What happens when you don't want me take my medication?
You can receive a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not want to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or by the 'Right to choose option which is a lot more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an authenticated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked whether 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. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could be harmful if taken in a proper manner.
The doctor will issue you the prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it could be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is also important to be aware of other check here methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an actual science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.