ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed strong medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But does it work?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can accurately assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are some concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. Furthermore, a lot of people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could 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 quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and told patients they were ADHD when they were not.
A private assessment typically begins with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor determine if you are a candidate for an appointment for diagnosis.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history, as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if required.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A correct diagnosis and the proper 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 to seek out private providers to assess their condition. This could save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This may include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history and social and medical history and will also inquire about your symptoms. They might also employ standard ADHD rating scales and may want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When assessing how to get diagnosed with adhd uk with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also look at your social and work history to rule out any issues like financial hardship or an abuse history, and alcohol or drug misuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not meet 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 an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. However, GPs have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the condition and also 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 will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your physician finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. You may have not given enough details about your issues or they may think that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your doctor may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the individuals affected.
GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the requirements of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to consider other options.
It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other health and social circumstances that can influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and can provide support and treatment for your difficulties. You can request an appointment online or give us a phone to discuss what we can do to assist.
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 wish to take medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers for specialists in England or go through the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The clinician will take into account your past experiences and family history. It is important that you give honest and truthful information.
If the doctor decides that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can be dangerous in the event of a misjudgment.
The doctor will issue you an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. You may be given ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. It is also important to keep in mind 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 that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, particularly because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be beneficial to pay for an assessment.