ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?
Why do I need a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD You should find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS but private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you time and money in the end.
There are some concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those suffering. Many believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.
It's not a surprise, then that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment to diagnose.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and then given a treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form for a'shared-care agreement'. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if needed.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long to look for private doctors to assess their health. This could save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. This will include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history and your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also use the standard adhd who can diagnose scales of rating and may also ask your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to interfere in the family or work environment. They will also check if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your professional and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction.
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 decision.
People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest other diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your struggles, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints process.
It is important to remember that your physician may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. This is not because of the people involved, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits.
GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must make sure they provide a solid, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a real reason to think about alternatives.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is of a minority ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has any other social and health issues which can affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us today or request an appointment online to discuss how do i get diagnosed for adhd we can assist you.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication?
You can be diagnosed when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to determine how adhd diagnosed you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful responses.
If the doctor determines 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 would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is essential to consider the implications of taking any medication prior to making the decision. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.
The psychiatrist will provide you with an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the length of time you have been experiencing them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is essential to be aware of other non-pharmacological ways where to go for adhd diagnosis manage ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being diagnosed with add as an adult misdiagnosed as a result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as a science. However, if you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to pay for a private assessment.