ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs following unreliable video assessments in private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a professional who can evaluate your condition and provide the proper treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Many feel that the NHS assessment services are not as good as they could be.
It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and told patients they were ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you must fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis.
The doctor will then review your medical background and family history, as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive tests. 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 to sign a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy if needed.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private specialists for their assessment. This can 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 can include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They could also utilize standardized ADHD rating scales and may need to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more signs over six months that are severe enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this 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 medications in this manner. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the condition and also because it is expensive.
What more info is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. It could be that you haven't provided enough information about your difficulties or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from another clinician or follow the NHS complaints process.
It is important to be aware that your physician may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. This is not because of the people involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits.
GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to look at alternatives.
It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when the person is of a different ethnicity, was assigned female at birth, or has other social and health issues that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your issues. You can call us or request an appointment online to learn what we can do to help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without taking medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England or via the 'Right to choose route, which is much quicker.
Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to determine how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is important that you give accurate and truthful responses.
If the doctor decides that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before deciding, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects when taken improperly.
If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it could be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen because we are inexact, and psychiatry barely a science. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to take out a private assessment.