ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really working?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.
There are how to get an adhd diagnosis about the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Additionally, many think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.
It's not surprising, then, that more adults choose to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and told patients they were ADHD even though they weren't.
A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questionnaires you will be asked to fill out and submit to the doctor. The screenings are designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then conduct a thorough assessment of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Based on your situation, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
A good diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and look for private doctors to assess their situation. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more signs over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to interfere with work or home life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your social and work background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties or a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.
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 you disagree with their decision.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. However, doctors have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the disorder and because it's costly.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor should be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain why. It may be due to your inability to provide enough details about your difficulties or because they believe that a different condition can explain your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your physician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people involved.
GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a solid, fair and safe service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a real reason to think about other options.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is a member of a minority group or was a female when they were born. birth or has any other social and health issues that affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.
If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. Contact us today or request an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you.
What happens if I don't want to take a medication?
You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't need to take any medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England or via the 'Right To Choose route which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they affect your daily routine. The doctor will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers.
If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before deciding, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.
If you decide to use medication, the psychiatrist will give you a plan and a prescription. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. However, it's important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, particularly because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely is a science. However, if you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to take out a private assessment.