ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work?
Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you love has ADHD, you should find a doctor who can accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Many believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.
It's not a surprise, then that more people choose to get a private evaluation. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires you are asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis.
The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history, as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will submit documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can also visit your private doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is needed.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Some adults can't endure this long and go to private specialists for their evaluation. This can help save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This could include a physical examination as well as tests like hearing and vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales of rating and request your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
When evaluating adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also check whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your social and work history to rule out problems like financial hardship, the history of abuse and alcohol or drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication in this way. However, GPs have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and also because it's costly.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your clinician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. You may have not provided enough information about your struggles or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the diagnosis, you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints process.
It's important to consider that your doctor may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the people involved.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a real reason to consider alternatives.
It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to be given a diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other health and social circumstances that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to help you overcome your issues. Contact us or make an appointment online to find out how we can help.
What happens if I don't want to take a medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor 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 comprise an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you provide accurate and truthful responses.
If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD They can give you an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication before making an informed decision. The effects of medication last for a long time, and they can be dangerous in the event of a misjudgment.
If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you the prescription and plan. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it could be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is important to also be aware of other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen because we are inexact creatures and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. However, if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to get an assessment with a private practitioner.