ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really working?
Why do I need an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you love has ADHD You should find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more precise 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. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this could cause a lot of distress for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
In the face of these issues, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to go for an assessment by a private doctor. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history, as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment program.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will forward documentation to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an assessment. This can help save time and stress, but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination and tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They might also utilize the standard ADHD rating scales and might need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs over six months that are serious enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also check if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out problems such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their decision.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication this way. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and also because it's costly.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.
If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain the reason. You may have not provided enough information about your struggles, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with this choice, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your clinician may find the assessment process difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and this is not the fault of the individuals involved.
GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national scourge and a valid reason to think about alternatives.
It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to be given a diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group or was a female when they were born. birth or has other health or social issues that affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.
We can help if you find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your issues. Contact us today or request an appointment online to find out how we can help.
What happens if I don't want to take a medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to get a diagnosis without a prescription. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and some validated assessments. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will consider your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision it is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if used in a safe manner.
If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. You may be given ADHD medication for a long period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been suffering from these symptoms for. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked controversy, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this doesn't happen because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as an academic discipline. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.