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 were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But does it actually work?
Why do I require a private diagnostic?
If you or someone you know has ADHD You should seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS but an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the end.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Many people think that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be.
In light of these challenges it's not a surprise that more people are opting to undergo a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality they didn't.
A private assessment typically begins with a series of screening questions, which you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
If you suffer from ADHD, a good 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 endure this long and go to private specialists for their assessment. This can save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical exam and tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They might also use the standard ADHD rating scales and may want to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to affect the home or in the workplace. They will also determine if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. adhd adults diagnosis will also assess your social and work history to rule out any issues such as financial hardship or an abuse history, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.
Individuals who have 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 access medications in this manner. However, GPs have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and because it's costly.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest other treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will then explain why. It may be due to your inability to provide enough details about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you are not happy with this choice you may seek another opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your physician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the people affected.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics use techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to be given the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other social or health situations that could affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. You can make an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss what we can do to help.
What happens when you don't want me take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right to Choose option which is a lot more efficient.
Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to understand how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential that you provide accurate and truthful responses.
If the physician determines 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 would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not taken properly.
When you choose to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you the prescription and plan. Based on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the length of time you have been suffering from them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is important to also be aware of other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We hesitate to say this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as an academic discipline. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be beneficial to pay for an assessment.