ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place following tips received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective?
What is the reason I need an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you love has ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS but private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the end.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to see if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history, as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy if needed.
What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment?
In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an evaluation. This could save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD rating scales and request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.
When evaluating adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs over six months that are serious enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your work and social life background to rule out issues like financial hardship or an abuse history, and alcohol or drug misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their decision.
If you have 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. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication in this way. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain the reason. You may not have given enough details about your difficulties or they might believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or access NHS services, the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy, and it's worth considering that your clinician might find the process frustrating. This isn't because of the individuals involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to look at alternative options.
It is important to remember that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to be given an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has any other social and health issues that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that 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 difficulties. You can call us or request an appointment online to learn how we can assist you.
What happens if I don't want to take a medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it's possible to get a diagnosis without taking medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to send you to one of the centers for specialists in England or follow the "Right to Choose" route, 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 enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily activities. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is important that you give truthful and accurate information.
If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can be dangerous in the event of a misjudgment.
The psychiatrist will give you the prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've experienced them. However, it's important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to get an assessment with a private practitioner.