ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers spoke 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 or someone you know suffers from ADHD You should seek out a professional who can accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people choose to use 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 deal with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and told patients that they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment typically begins with a series of screening questions, which you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will forward documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is needed.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
A clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and painful. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private specialists for their evaluation. This can save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family background and medical and social history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD scales for rating and request your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their decision.
People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. However, doctors have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the disorder and because it's costly.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It could be that you haven't given enough details about your difficulties or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the diagnosis you may seek a second opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints process.
No matter if you opt for private or use NHS healthcare the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy, and it's worth considering that your clinician may find the process difficult. This is not because of the patients involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS services are stretched to the limit.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. adhd diagnosing ADHD Diagnosis is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has any other health or social issues that can influence how medical professionals view their symptoms.
We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your problems. You can make an appointment online or give us a phone to discuss how we might be able to help.
What happens if I don't want to take medication?
You can be diagnosed when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. 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 use the 'Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and some validated tests. This will enable your doctor to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication prior to making a decision. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.
If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity your symptoms and the length of time you have been experiencing them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry barely a science. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to take out an assessment with a private practitioner.