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 after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were reported. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnostic?
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can assess your condition and provide the necessary treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those affected. Many people feel that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
It's not surprising, therefore, that more adults choose to get a private evaluation. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment will typically start with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to complete and return to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct a detailed review of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with a request for a 'shared care agreement'. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if required.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
A good diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults cannot wait that long and look for private doctors to determine their condition. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to keep in mind that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This could include a physical examination and tests, such as hearing and vision. This will include questionnaires and check-lists. 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 could also use the standard ADHD scales of rating and request your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to affect the home or in the workplace. 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 look at your professional and social history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication this way. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and because it's costly.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain the reason. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your issues or they may think that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with this decision, you can ask for an alternative opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or access NHS services, the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy and it's worth considering that your doctor might find the process frustrating. The NHS is overstretched and it's not the fault of the people who are involved.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to consider alternatives.
It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to be given a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other social or health circumstances that affect the way medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
We can assist you if feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and can provide support and treatment for your issues. Contact us or request an appointment online to learn how we can help.
What happens if you don't want me to take my medication?
You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't need to take any medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to send you to one of the centers for specialists in England or go through the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will include an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will take into account your previous experiences and family history. It is essential that you give accurate and truthful responses.
If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may be harmful if used in a safe manner.
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 duration of time you've been experiencing them, it might be recommended click here that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is also important to keep in mind that there are 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 diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient evaluations of clinical conditions. We're not sure that this doesn't happen because we are inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to take out an assessment with a private practitioner.