ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out after 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 examination. But does it actually work?
What is the reason I need an individual diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a professional who can accurately assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those suffering. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.
It's not surprising, then that more people choose to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment will typically begin with a set of screening questions that you must complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis.
The doctor will then review your medical background and family history, as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment?
A good 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 to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an assessment. This can save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD rating scales and might want to ask your teachers or caregivers 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 are serious enough to affect the home or in the workplace. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also evaluate your social and professional history to rule out issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication this way. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and because it's expensive.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.
If your clinician finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It could be that you haven't given enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your clinician may find the assessment process difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and this is not the fault of the people who are involved.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national scourge and a valid reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other health and social circumstances that can influence the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your issues. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a call to see how we might be able to assist you.
What happens If you don't want me take my medication?
You can be diagnosed if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not need to take any 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 a lot more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will allow your doctor to determine how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. getting a diagnosis for adhd will consider your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.
If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with an assessment. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. The effects of medication are long-term, and can be dangerous in the event of a misjudgment.
The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is also important to keep in mind that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is an academic discipline. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.