ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD You should consult a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those who suffer from the condition. Many think that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
It's not surprising, therefore, that more adults choose to have a private assessment. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and told patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questionnaires you must complete and return to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The clinician will then conduct an in-depth examination of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will submit documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy if necessary.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This may include a medical exam and tests like hearing or vision. This could include check-lists and questionnaires. getting a adhd diagnosis who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They might also use the standard ADHD rating scales and may want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also check if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also assess your work and social history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties or an abuse history, and alcohol or drug misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you are able to request a new assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.
If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this with their GP and the GP can then refer 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 medication. However, doctors have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the condition and because it's costly.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor should be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.
If your clinician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. You may have not provided enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with the outcome, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your clinician may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. This isn't due to the people involved, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the standards of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a real reason to look at 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 the diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other health and social circumstances that can influence how medical professionals view their symptoms.
We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us today or make an appointment online to learn how we can assist you.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to use medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right To Choose' pathway, which is much faster.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your physician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. The doctor will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful responses.
If the physician 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 you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the implications of taking any medication before making the decision. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could be harmful if taken in a proper manner.
When you choose to take medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. 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 long period of time. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate clinical assessments. We're not sure that this does not happen since humans are incredibly inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be beneficial to pay for an assessment.