ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs following unreliable video assessments in private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really working?
Why do I need an individual diagnostic?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. Many feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.
It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they weren't.
A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questionnaires that you are asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis.
The physician will then conduct an in-depth review of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment?
A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long to look for private doctors to determine their health. This can help save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family background and social and medical history and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may want to request your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to affect the family or work environment. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision.
People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to 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 do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major 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 and they explain the reasons why. It could be because you did not provide enough information about your issues or they believe another condition explains your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different physician or take 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 worth pondering the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the individuals affected.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national scandal and a compelling reason to think about alternatives.
It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to be given an assessment. This is especially true when the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has other health or social issues which can affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
If you are struggling check here with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your issues. You can call us or request an appointment online to discuss how we can help.
What happens if I don't want to take 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. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers that specialize in England or use the 'Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. The clinician will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.
If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner.
The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. It is essential to keep in mind that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is an actual science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, then it is possible to take out an individual assessment.