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 following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation occurred following tips received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private exam. But does it actually work?
Why do I need an individual diagnostic?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD You should seek out a professional who can accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe best treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those suffering. Many people believe that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
In the face of these issues, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to seek a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and told patients they were ADHD even though they were not.
A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you are asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results of these tests help the doctor determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send documents to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is needed.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long to look for private doctors to determine their situation. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee 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 medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history and social and medical history and will also inquire about your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales of rating, and may ask your caregivers or teachers to give you a score.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in the family or work environment. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to share it with website their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can access medication in this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's costly.
What 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 can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.
If your clinician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. It could be that you haven't given enough details about your issues or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints process.
No matter if you opt for private or use NHS healthcare waiting times for an appointment can be long and it's important to consider that your clinician may find the process difficult. This isn't due to the patients involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS services are stretched to its limits.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to think about alternative options.
It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background or born female or have other social and health circumstances that affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your concerns. You can request an appointment online or give us a call to see what we can do to help.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or by the 'Right to Choose option which is more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will look at your past experiences and 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 diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of taking a medication. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can have serious side effects when taken improperly.
If you decide to use medication, your doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity your symptoms, as well as the duration 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 keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be beneficial to pay for an assessment.