ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted following tips received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it effective?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should find a doctor who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS, private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Many people also feel 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 about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and told patients they had ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history, as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if required.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their evaluation. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical exam and tests such as hearing or vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales and may need to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also check if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out problems such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their decision.
Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's costly.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.
If your doctor determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. It could be due to your inability to provide enough information about your issues or they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the outcome, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different clinician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your physician may find the assessment process difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the individuals affected.
GPs also have to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that here they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put people in danger. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to think about alternative options.
It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social or health circumstances that can influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
We can help you if think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your issues. You can schedule an appointment via our website or give us an email to find out what we can do to assist.
What happens if I don't want to take medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without taking medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to recommend you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use 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 to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medication. The effects of medications are long-term, and can be dangerous if taken incorrectly.
When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You may be given ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for. It is essential to 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 controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case because we are inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be a good idea to pay for an assessment.