ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it work?
What is the reason I need a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Additionally, many believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.
In light of these challenges, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to seek an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the phone and told patients they were ADHD even though they were not.
A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questionnaires you will be asked to complete and return to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then conduct a detailed examination of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, if necessary.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private providers to evaluate their condition. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This may include a medical exam and tests such as hearing or vision. This will include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales of rating, and may request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to cause disruption in work or family life. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your work and social life history to rule out any issues like financial hardship, a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.
Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can access medication this way. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and also because it's costly.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor must be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest other treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.
If your physician finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. It could be that you haven't provided enough information about your struggles 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 another opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or use NHS services waiting times for an appointment can be lengthy and it's worth pondering that your doctor may find the process difficult. This isn't because of the people involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS services are stretched to the limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to consider alternative options.
It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female at birth, or has other health or social issues that can influence the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to address your issues. You can call us or request an appointment online to find out what we can do to help.
What happens If you don't want me to take my medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your past experiences and your family history. It is essential to give accurate and honest answers.
If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may be harmful if taken properly.
The psychiatrist will provide you with an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period read more of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate diagnostic tests. We hesitate to claim that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an actual science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be beneficial to pay for an assessment.