ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred following tips received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work?
Why do I need an individual diagnosis?
If you suspect 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 appropriate treatment. diagnosing adhd adults opt to use the NHS but an individual 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 waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those affected. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to get a private evaluation. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD when they were not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The doctor will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment program.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will submit documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy if necessary.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults can't endure this long and go to private providers for their assessment. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history, as well as medical and social history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may want to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are serious enough to disrupt the demands of work or at home. They will also look to determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also evaluate your professional and social background to rule out problems like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. However, doctors have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the condition and because it is expensive.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.
If your doctor finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they provide the reasons for this. It may be due to your inability to provide enough information about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the decision you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints process.
It is important to remember that your physician might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. This isn't because of the patients affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to consider alternative options.
It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to be given an assessment. This is especially true when the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female at birth, or has other social and health issues that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
We can help you if think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us today or request an appointment online to find out what we can do to 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 wish to take medication. The NHS offers 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 through the 'Right to Choose' pathway which is a lot more efficient.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will help your clinician determine the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate information.
If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they can give you 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 potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. The effects of medications are long-term, and can be dangerous when taken improperly.
The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We're not sure that this does not happen since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to get a private assessment.