ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But does it actually work?
Why do I require a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is important to find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe the best treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are some concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the 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 affected. Many people feel that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
It's not surprising, then, that more adults choose to undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they were not.
A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires you must complete and return to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results aid the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history, as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also perform a physical exam and cognitive tests. 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, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if required.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A clear 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. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private specialists for their evaluation. This can help save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a physical examination as well as tests like hearing and vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family background and social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more symptoms over six months that are severe enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and also because it's costly.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain the reason. It could be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your struggles or they believe here that a different condition can explain your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with this decision then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different doctor or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your physician might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the individuals involved, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limit.
GPs also have to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to think about alternatives.
It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are ethnically minorities or were born female or have other social or health circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your issues. Contact us today or request an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
You can be diagnosed when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not want to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right to choose option which is a lot quicker.
Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to understand the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an diagnosis. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and be harmful if taken in a proper manner.
If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. You could be given ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We're not sure that this doesn't happen because we are inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it can make sense to pay for an individual assessment.