ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs following unreliable video assessments in private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private examination. But does it work?
Why do I need a private diagnostic?
If you or someone you love has ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many people think that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.
It's not surprising, 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 program reported that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they weren't.
A private assessment usually starts with a series of screening questions which you'll be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The doctor will then conduct an in-depth examination of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will submit documents to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. getting diagnosed with adhd are unable to wait this long and turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing or vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history, as well as social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and might need to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult 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 work or family life. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their decision.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.
If your physician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. You may not have given enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or use NHS services, the wait time for an appointment can be long and it's worth considering that your clinician might find the process frustrating. This is not because of the people affected, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limit.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put people in danger. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to consider other options.
It is important to remember that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to be given the diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other social and health issues that affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your difficulties. You can request an appointment online or give us a phone to discuss how we might be able to assist.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not want to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or by the 'Right to Choose' pathway, which is much quicker.
Your appointment will include a validated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is crucial that you provide truthful and accurate information.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication prior to making the decision. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects when taken improperly.
If you decide to use medication, the doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. 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 keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as an actual science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.