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 as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private exam. But does it actually work?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can accurately assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. Although adult adhd diagnosis uk opt to go with the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. Many feel that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
In the light of these challenges it's not surprising that more people are opting to seek an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires you are asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct a detailed examination of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will forward paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They might also employ the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may need to ask 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 are serious enough to interfere in the family or work environment. They will also look to determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medications in this manner. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the disorder and because it's expensive.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your clinician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. You may not have provided enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with this choice you may seek an additional opinion from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your physician might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the people affected, but rather because NHS services are stretched to its limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to think about other options.
It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth or has any other social and health issues that can influence the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your problems. You can make an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss what we can do to assist.
What happens if I don't want to take a medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise a validated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician determine how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.
If you decide to take medication, the psychiatrist will give you a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it could be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is important to also remember 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 sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We are hesitant to say that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely is an academic discipline. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS wait times, it can make sense to take out an assessment with a private practitioner.