ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs following unreliable video assessments in private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred following tips received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But does it work?
Why do I need a private diagnosis?
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a doctor who can evaluate your condition and provide the proper treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
It's not a surprise, then, that more adults choose to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone, and were telling patients that they had ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The doctor will then conduct a thorough review of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will forward paperwork 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 you see your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
A good diagnosis and the right treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private professionals for an assessment. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can provide an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD rating scales and might want to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more signs over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
Individuals who 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. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medications in this manner. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.
What do I do 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'll be aware that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will explain the reasons why. adult adhd diagnosis uk may have not given enough details about your issues or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your doctor may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and an excellent reason to look at other options.
It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to be given a diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is a member of a minority group or was a female at birth, or has other social and health issues that affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.
We can assist you if feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your issues. You can make an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss how we might be able to assist.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to get a diagnosis without taking medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or by the 'Right to Choose' pathway which is a lot more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The clinician will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is essential to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is crucial to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if used in a safe manner.
The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is also important to keep in mind that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage 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 people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is an actual science. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to pay for a private assessment.