ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. But does it work?
What is the reason I need a private diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually 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. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Many people believe that the NHS assessment services are not as good as they could be.
In light of these challenges it's not surprising that more people are opting to seek an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and told patients they were ADHD when they were not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The clinician will then conduct a thorough review of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. 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 forward paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is needed.
What happens if adhd uk diagnosis don't get an answer to my question?
A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private providers for their assessment. This can save time and stress, but it's important to recognize that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD rating scales and request your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also look to determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your social and work history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties, the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor should be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you.
If your doctor finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. It could be that you haven't provided enough information about your issues, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or use NHS healthcare the wait time for an assessment can be long and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, and meet the standards of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.
Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to think about other options.
It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to be given a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other health and social circumstances that affect how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
If you're suffering from unmanaged 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 problems. You can request an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out what we can do to assist.
What happens If you don't want me to take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without a prescription. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right to choose option, which is much quicker.
Your appointment will comprise a validated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician understand how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your past experiences and family history. It is crucial that you give truthful and accurate information.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication before making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.
If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity your symptoms, as well as the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We're not sure that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be beneficial to pay for an assessment.