ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are 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.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it work?
Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should consult a specialist who will accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe most appropriate 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 struggling to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those affected. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
It's not a surprise, then that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they were not.
A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose.
The doctor will then review your medical history and family history, as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The doctor will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will submit documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long to seek out private providers to determine their condition. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. This could include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They might also utilize standard ADHD rating scales and might want to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom within a period of six months that are serious enough to cause disruption in the demands of work or at home. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social history to rule out any issues such as financial hardship or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their decision.
adult adhd diagnosis uk iampsychiatry.uk who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication this way. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't specialize in the condition or because it's costly.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. You may have not provided enough information about your difficulties or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the decision you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints process.
It is important to be aware that your doctor may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they provide a reliable, fair and safe service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that some private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national scourge and a compelling reason to think about alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other health and social circumstances that affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your problems. You can call us or make an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you.
What happens when you don't wish me to take my medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or by the 'Right To Choose option which is faster.
Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could be harmful if used in a safe manner.
The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy in particular because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We hesitate to claim that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely is an academic discipline. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are being frustrated by the NHS wait times, it can make sense to get a private assessment.