ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs following unreliable video assessments at private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be.
It's not surprising, then that more people choose to have a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. These results are used to help the clinician decide whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then conduct a thorough assessment of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private professionals for an assessment. adult adhd diagnosis uk can save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also utilize the standard ADHD rating scales and might want 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 that are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out problems such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision.
If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and because it's expensive.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain why. It could be due to your inability to provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with this choice then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different physician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your physician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the people affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits.
GPs are trying to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more 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 that are set by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a real reason to consider other options.
It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other social or health situations that could affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. Contact us today or request an appointment online to find out how we can help.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to choose' pathway which is a lot faster.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will enable your doctor to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication before making the decision. The effects of medication are long-term, and can be dangerous when taken improperly.
If you decide to use medication, your doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity your symptoms and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We're not sure that this doesn't happen since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.