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 carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?
Why do I need a private diagnostic?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private examination will typically begin with a series of screening questions that you are asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history, as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private clinician to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be necessary.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private professionals for an assessment. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a medical examination and tests like hearing or vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD rating scales and may also request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.
When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to cause disruption in the demands of work or at home. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out problems such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify 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 an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication in this way. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. You may have not provided enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your clinician might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This is not because of the people involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS services are stretched to the limits.
GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the standards of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to look at alternatives.
It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to be given the diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth or has any other social and health issues which can affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.
We can help you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your issues. Contact us today or make an appointment online to find out how we can assist you.
What happens If you don't wish me to take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without the need for medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right To Choose option which is a lot quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they affect your daily routine. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential that you provide accurate and truthful responses.
If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may be dangerous when taken improperly.
If you decide to use medication, the doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. You could be given ADHD medication for a long duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing them. It is also important to keep in mind that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. how is adhd diagnosed in adults include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an actual science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.