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 according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But does it work?
Why do I need a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you love has ADHD It is important to find a doctor who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.
In the face of these issues it's not surprising that more people are opting to seek a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they weren't.
A private examination will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires you must complete and return to the doctor. The tests are designed to see if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment for diagnosis.
The physician will then conduct a detailed examination of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will submit documents to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be needed.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private providers for their assessment. This can help save time and frustration, but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing or vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They might also utilize standard ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to request your teachers or caregivers for 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 interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their decision.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or 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 know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate for you.
If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It may be because you did not provide enough details about your difficulties or because they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints process.
It is important to be aware that your physician may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. This isn't because of the people involved, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit.
GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they provide a reliable and safe, fair and fair service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national scandal and a compelling reason to think about alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social and health situations that could affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
We can assist 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 concerns. You can make an appointment online or give us a call to see how we might be able to assist.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or by the 'Right To Choose option, which is much quicker.
Your appointment will include a validated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician determine the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. adhd uk diagnosis will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before deciding it is crucial to consider the pros and cons of taking a medication. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.
When you choose to take medication, the doctor will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been suffering from them. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry barely a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.