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 according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people are forced to pay for a private examination. But does it actually work?
Why do I need a private diagnosis?
If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those affected. Many believe that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
In light of these challenges it's not surprising that more people are opting to go for a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then conduct an in-depth review of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is needed.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and painful. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private specialists to assess their condition. This can help save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD scales of rating and may also request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.
When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs over six months that are severe enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During how to get an adult adhd diagnosis , a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.
Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication in this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other treatment options that are more appropriate for you.
If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain the reason. You may not have provided enough details about your difficulties, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with this choice then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
If you choose to go private or use NHS healthcare, the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy, and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. This isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put people in danger. This is a national scourge, and a very real reason to think about alternative options.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background or born female or have other health and social circumstances that can affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your concerns. Contact us today or request an appointment online to learn how we can assist you.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right To Choose option which is a lot more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.
If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner.
The doctor will issue you a prescription and a 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 your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. It is also important to be aware of other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is an actual science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.