ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. 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 your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.
There are some concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Many people feel that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient 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 over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you must complete and return to the clinician. The screenings are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. get adhd diagnosis will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long and look for private doctors to evaluate their situation. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a medical examination and tests like hearing or vision. This will include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales of rating and ask your caregivers or teachers to rate you.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor 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 determine whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your work and social life background to rule out issues such as financial hardship, a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication in this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor should be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain the reason. It may be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with this decision then you can seek an additional opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or use NHS care the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy, and it's important to consider that your doctor might find the process frustrating. This isn't due to the people affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limits.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they provide a solid safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to think about alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other health and social circumstances that affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can help you if find your life 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 request an appointment via our website or give us call to see what we can do to assist.
What happens If you don't want me take my medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or via the 'Right To Choose option which is quicker.
Your appointment will consist of a validated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician understand the way these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner.
The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy in particular because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen because we are inexact and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.