ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs following unreliable video assessments at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnostic?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns regarding the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.
In light of these problems it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to go for an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment typically begins with a series of questionnaires for screening which you'll be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I don't get an appointment?
A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private specialists to assess their health. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They may also employ standard ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs over six months that are serious enough to interfere with work or home life. They will also determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example 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 drinking and drug addiction.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.
Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this information with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication in this way. However, GPs have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and because it's costly.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will then explain why. It may be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough details about your difficulties or because they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome, you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints process.
It is important to remember that your clinician may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the patients affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a solid and safe, fair and fair service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose exposed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to think about alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social and health situations that could affect how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
We can assist you if think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to help you overcome your issues. You can make an appointment online or give us a call to see what we can do to assist you.
What happens if I don't want to take medication?
You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England or by the 'Right To Choose option, which is much quicker.
Your appointment will comprise a validated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial that you give accurate and truthful responses.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is crucial to think about the consequences of taking any medication before making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if used in a safe manner.
When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You could be given ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for. It is also important to remember that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We're not sure that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, then it can make sense to take out an assessment with a private practitioner.