ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed strong medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really working?
Why do I require a private diagnostic?
If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the best treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those suffering. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to get a private evaluation. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and told patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires you will be asked to fill out and submit to the doctor. The screenings are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The doctor will then review your medical background and family history, as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a'shared-care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private specialists for their evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This can include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history and medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales and request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out problems such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, doctors have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the disorder and because it is expensive.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.
If your clinician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. It could be due to your inability to provide enough information about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you are not happy with the outcome you may seek an additional opinion from a different clinician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your physician might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they provide a solid, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a real reason to look at alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is a member of a minority group or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other health and social circumstances that can influence how medical professionals view their symptoms.
If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your issues. You can request an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss what we can do to help.
What happens when you don't wish me to take my medication?
If adhd uk diagnosis are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right to Choose route which is a lot more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your physician know the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The doctor will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful answers.
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 be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before how to get an adhd diagnosis uk make a decision, it is important to consider the pros and cons of taking a medication. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects when taken improperly.
The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. However, it's important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being frustrated by the NHS wait times, it is possible to get a private assessment.