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 occurred after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a specialist who can accurately assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many feel that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
In the face of these challenges, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to go for a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and told patients they were ADHD even though they weren't.
A private assessment typically begins with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The tests are designed to see if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct a detailed examination of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a request for a 'shared care agreement'. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A good diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private providers for their assessment. This can save time and stress, but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They may also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and may want to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your work and social life history to rule out any issues such as financial hardship, the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate for you.
If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will then explain the reason. You may have not given enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If undiagnosed adhd adults ADHD Diagnosis are not happy with this choice then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or use NHS services waiting times for an assessment can be long and it's worth considering that your doctor may find the process difficult. This isn't because of the patients affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to consider alternatives.
It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us today or make an appointment online to learn what we can do to help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without taking medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right to Choose route which is more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and certain validated assessments. This will help your physician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers.
If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. The effects of medications 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 medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms and the length of time you have been experiencing them, it could be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry hardly is a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.