ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really effective?
What is the reason I need a private diagnosis?
If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a professional who can evaluate your condition and provide the proper treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those affected. Additionally, many think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
In the light of these issues it's not surprising that more adults are opting to go for an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and told patients they were ADHD when they were not.
A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then conduct a detailed review of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive tests. Based on your situation, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and frustrating. Many adults can't wait that long and seek out private providers to determine their health. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD scales of rating and ask your caregivers or teachers to rate you.
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 severe enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also look at your work and social background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties, an abuse history, and alcohol or drug misuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.
People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can then refer them get more info back for shared management under the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's costly.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your doctor should be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.
If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain why. You may not have given enough details about your struggles, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with this decision then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different doctor or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your clinician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the individuals involved, but rather because NHS services are stretched to its limits.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they offer a robust and safe, fair and fair service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put people in danger. This is a national scourge, and a very real reason to consider alternatives.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to be given a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other social and health circumstances that influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us or request an appointment online to find out how we can help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and 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 faster.
Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment 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 doctor will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an assessment. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before deciding it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.
If you decide to take medication, the doctor will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it could be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is also important to keep in mind that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, particularly because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, it is possible to pay for an individual assessment.