ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can evaluate your health and provide the proper treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are some concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services are not as good as they could be.
In the face of these problems it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to go for an appointment with a private physician. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and told patients that they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questionnaires you are asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis.
The doctor will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will submit documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Some adults cannot wait that long and seek out private specialists to assess their condition. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a physical examination as well as tests like hearing and vision. It will also include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales for rating and may also request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to affect the home or in the workplace. They will also look to determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You can request a second 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 for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and also because it's expensive.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.
If your physician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. It may be due to your inability to provide enough details about your difficulties or because they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you are not happy with the outcome then you can seek an additional opinion from a different physician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your physician might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics employ techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and could put patients at risk. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to think about alternatives.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has any other health and social circumstances that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
We can help if you find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your issues. Contact us or make an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
You can be diagnosed when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to send you to one of read more the specialist centers in England or go through the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your physician understand the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The doctor will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD They can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication before making an informed decision. The effects of medication last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects when taken improperly.
When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will give you an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Depending on the severity your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy in particular because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an actual science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to pay for an individual assessment.