ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. But is it really working?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you love has ADHD You should seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe best treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you both time and money in the end.
There are some concerns about the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. Many people also feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be.
In the face of these challenges it's not a surprise that more people are opting to go for an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.
A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The tests are designed to see if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results help the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis.
The doctor will then conduct an in-depth examination of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and then given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their evaluation. This could save time and stress, but it's important to understand that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They may also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and might be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to affect the family or work environment. They will also determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social life background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties, an abuse history, and alcohol or drug misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform you if they think that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication in this way. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain why. You may have not given enough details about your issues or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with this choice then you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or use NHS services waiting times for an assessment can be lengthy and it's worth pondering the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people who are involved.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put people in danger. This is a tragedy for the entire country and an excellent reason to think about alternatives.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other social or health circumstances that affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
We can help if you think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to offer support and treatment for your problems. Contact us or request an appointment online to learn how we can help.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication?
You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not want to take medication. You can get an adult more info ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP 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 a validated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician understand the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is crucial that you give truthful and accurate information.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not taken properly.
The psychiatrist will give you the prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. You may be given ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've experienced these symptoms for. However, it's important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, particularly because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry hardly is a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be a good idea to pay for an assessment.