ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed strong drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of 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 working?
Why do I need an individual diagnostic?
If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those affected. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
In the light of these issues, it's not surprising that more people are opting to undergo an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they weren't.
A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires you are asked to fill out and submit to the doctor. The tests are designed to see if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment for diagnosis.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your personal doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be needed.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and difficult. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their assessment. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family background and your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They might also use standard ADHD rating scales and might need to request your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.
When evaluating adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to disrupt the demands of work or at home. They will also determine whether these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also review your professional and social history to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse.
During read more your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person to share management via the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the disorder and because it's expensive.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor must be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It could be that you haven't 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 diagnosis, you can seek another opinion from another clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure.
Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS care waiting times for an assessment can be long and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. This isn't because of the patients involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must make sure they offer a robust and safe, fair and fair service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to look at alternatives.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth or has other health or social issues that affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.
We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment via our website or give us an email to find out how we might be able to help.
What happens if you don't wish me to take my medication?
You can receive a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP 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 comprise an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.
If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an diagnosis. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner.
The doctor will issue you the prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've experienced them. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen because we are inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. However, if you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, it can make sense to take out an individual assessment.