ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private examination. But does it work?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you know has ADHD You should consult a specialist who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
In light of these issues it's not a surprise that more people are opting to undergo a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you must complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct a thorough examination of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form for a'shared-care agreement'. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private specialists to evaluate their situation. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history and medical and social history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD rating scales and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to evaluate you.
When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also check whether these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also look at your work and social life history to rule out problems like financial hardship or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.
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 under the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition or because it's costly.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.
If your physician finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. It may be because you did not provide enough details about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you are not happy with this choice, you can ask for another opinion from a different clinician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your clinician might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the how do i get diagnosed with add fault of the individuals involved.
GPs also have to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country 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 certain people to receive an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female at birth or has any other social and health issues that can influence how medical professionals view their symptoms.
If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your concerns. You can call us or request an appointment online to find out how we can help.
What happens if I don't want to take medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without a prescription. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is important that you give accurate and truthful responses.
If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medication. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects if taken incorrectly.
The doctor will issue you the prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as a science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.