ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it work?
Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Many people also think that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
It's not a surprise, then, that more adults choose to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they were not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results help the clinician decide if you should attend a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then conduct a thorough examination of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body 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, the clinician will write to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. adhd diagnosis adults adhddiagnosis.top can also visit your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is required.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their evaluation. This could save time and stress, but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They might also employ standard ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adults with 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 work or family life. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. 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 the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you.
If your clinician determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. It could be due to your inability to give enough detail about your issues or they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your clinician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and an excellent reason to consider alternatives.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other social or health situations that could affect the way medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to offer 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 help.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the centers for specialists in England or go through the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician understand how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not taken properly.
The doctor will issue you an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take a medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it might be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is essential to remember 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 diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy in particular because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry barely is a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be a good idea to pay for an assessment.
