ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it effective?
Why do I need a private diagnostic?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can assess your health and provide the appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal 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 could cause a lot of distress for those affected. Additionally, many think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics ran tests over the phone and told patients they were ADHD when they were not.
A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires you are asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose.
The doctor will then conduct a thorough assessment of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What happens if I don't receive an appointment?
A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private providers to determine their situation. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history and your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They might also use standard ADHD rating scales and may need to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms over six months that are serious enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also evaluate your professional and social history to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medications in this manner. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.
If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It could be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with this choice you may seek another opinion from a different doctor or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your clinician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the people affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to its limits.
GPs are trying to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they offer a high-quality service more info that is safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to consider other options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other social or health situations that could affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a phone to discuss what we can do to assist you.
What happens if I don't want to take a medication?
You can receive a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your clinician determine the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The doctor will take into consideration your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with an diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before deciding it is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. The effects of medications are long-lasting, and may have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.
The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it might be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is also important to remember that there are 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 diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate in particular because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be beneficial to pay for an assessment.