ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and are prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can evaluate your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns regarding the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics ran tests over the phone and told patients they were ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment typically begins with a series of screening questions which you'll be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule a diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct a detailed review of your family and medical history, and 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 in light of your circumstances and then given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if needed.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
A good diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long and seek out private providers to evaluate their situation. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical exam and tests such as hearing or vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family background and medical and social history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They may also employ the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may want to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. 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 review your professional and social background to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision.
If how to get an adhd diagnosis uk have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide 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 medications in this manner. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor should be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your clinician determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It could be that you haven't provided enough information about your issues or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints process.
It is important to remember that your clinician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people who are involved.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics employ techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to look at alternatives.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other social or health circumstances that influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide support and treatment for your problems. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a phone to discuss what we can do to assist you.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication?
You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't need to take any medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful responses.
If a doctor determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision it is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner.
If you decide to use medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. It is also important to remember that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage 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 especially because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We're not sure that this does not happen because we are inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being frustrated by the NHS wait times, it can make sense to take out an individual assessment.