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 drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But does it work?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a specialist who can evaluate your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns regarding the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.
In light of these issues 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 offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and telling patients they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't.
A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results will assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will send documents to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your personal doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, if necessary.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private providers to assess their health. This can help save time and stress, but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing or vision. This could include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family history and your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD scales for rating and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to evaluate you.
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 affect the home or in the workplace. They will also determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your social and work history to rule out problems like financial hardship or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they think that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the condition and also because it's expensive.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be 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. You may have not provided enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your doctor might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. how to get adhd diagnosed uk is not because of the people involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to look at alternative options.
It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to be given the diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is of a minority ethnicity, was assigned female at birth, or has other health and social circumstances which can affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your issues. Contact us today or make an appointment online to discuss how we can help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?
You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England or via the 'Right To Choose route which is quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinical interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your physician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before making a decision, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.
The psychiatrist will provide you with an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. You may be given ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've experienced these symptoms for. It is essential to remember that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We are reticent to say that this does not happen, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry barely a science. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to get a private assessment.