ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really working?
Why do I need an individual diagnostic?
If you or someone you know has ADHD You should consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope 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. Furthermore, a lot of people feel 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 grave concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and telling patients they had ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history, as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'shared care agreement'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy if needed.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment?
If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private providers to assess their situation. This could save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
diagnosing adhd who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical exam and tests such as hearing or vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history, as well as medical and social history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales for rating and ask your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look at 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. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your social and work history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties or the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the condition and also because it is expensive.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will then explain the reason. It could be because you did not give enough detail about your difficulties or because they believe that a different condition can explain your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome, you can ask for another opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your doctor might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. This isn't due to the patients involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to look at other options.
It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to be given the diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female at birth or has other health or social issues which can affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
We can assist you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to help you overcome your issues. Contact us or make an appointment online to find out how we can help.
What happens when you don't want me to take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without taking medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the centers that specialize in England or use the 'Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinical interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your clinician understand the way these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is crucial that you provide truthful and accurate information.
If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.
The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for an extended 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 sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We are reticent to say 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 annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might be a good idea to pay for an assessment.