ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But does it work?
Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?
If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can assess your condition and provide the necessary treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
In the light of these problems it's not surprising that more adults are opting to seek an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history, as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is required.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private providers to assess their situation. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to keep in mind that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical examination and tests like hearing or vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family background and medical and social history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also utilize standardized ADHD rating scales and might be able to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also evaluate your professional and social history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis 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 then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's costly.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.
If your physician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they provide the reasons for this. It may be due to your inability to provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from another clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your physician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. This is not because of the individuals involved, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to consider other options.
It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that affect the way medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your issues. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a phone to discuss how we might be able to assist.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England or by the 'Right to choose option which is more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your experiences in the past and your family history. It is important that you give truthful and accurate information.
If a doctor determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before making a decision, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. The effects of medication are long-term, and can be dangerous if taken incorrectly.
When you choose to take medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long 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, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient clinical assessments. what is it worth hesitate to say this isn't the case because we aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as an actual science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.