ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred following tips received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you love has ADHD You should find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS, private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you time and money in the end.
There are some concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those suffering. Furthermore, a lot of people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.
It's not a surprise, then that more people choose to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and telling patients that they had ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires that you are asked to complete and return to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The doctor will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will send documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private clinician to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, if required.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private providers to determine their health. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. This will include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family history and social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They might also utilize the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more signs over six months that are serious enough to interfere with the demands of work or at home. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your professional and social history to rule out issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another 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 are not satisfied with their decision.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication in this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you.
If your clinician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. It could be that you haven't given enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with this decision then you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your clinician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people affected.
GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.
Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put patients in danger. This is a national scourge, and a very real reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other social or health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our specialists have experience add diagnosis as an adult diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your difficulties. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out how we might be able to assist.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not need to take any medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right to choose route which is faster.
Your appointment will consist of a validated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician understand the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential to provide honest and truthful information.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you an assessment. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before deciding, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. The effects of a medication are long-lasting, and may be dangerous when taken improperly.
The psychiatrist will provide you with an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate in particular because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed due to inadequate diagnostic tests. We hesitate to claim that this doesn't happen because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as an actual science. However, if you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to take out an individual assessment.