ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation took place following tips received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?
Why do I need a private diagnosis?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can assess your health and provide the proper treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however a private 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. In the end, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those suffering. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.
In the face of these challenges it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to undergo an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and telling patients they had ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to see if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The physician will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your personal doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be necessary.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their evaluation. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience in 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. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history and your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They might also utilize standard ADHD ratings scales, and may want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. adhd uk diagnosis can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their decision.
People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this 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 medication this way. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the condition and also because it is expensive.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor must be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.
If adhd diagnosis uk adults decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. You may not have provided enough details about your difficulties or they might believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the decision you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or go through the NHS complaints process.
If you choose to go private or use NHS care waiting times for an assessment can be lengthy and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. This isn't because of the patients involved, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to look at other options.
It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social or health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
We can help if you find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide support and treatment for your problems. You can make an appointment online or give us a an email to find out what we can do to assist.
What is the consequence 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 receive a diagnosis without taking medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to choose option which is more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide 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 before making a decision. The effects of medication last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.
The doctor will issue you the prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this does not happen because we are inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to take out an assessment with a private practitioner.