ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and are prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted following tips received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private examination. But does it actually work?
Why do I require an individual diagnostic?
If you or someone you know has ADHD You should consult a specialist who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS but an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are some concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.
It's not a surprise, then that more people choose to undergo a private examination. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics ran 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'll be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results aid the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is required.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private providers for their evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD rating scales and may also 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 serious enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. 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 review your professional and social background to rule out problems like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management under the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and because it's expensive.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they provide the reasons for this. You may not have given enough details about your difficulties or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with this choice you may seek another opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
If you choose to go private or take advantage of NHS healthcare, the wait time for an assessment can be long and it's worth pondering that your clinician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the standards of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national scourge and a compelling reason to look at alternative options.
It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they click here are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other health and social situations that could affect how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
We can assist you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your issues. You can request an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out how we might be able to assist.
What happens if you don't want me to take my medication?
You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right To Choose option which is faster.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will consider your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial 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 diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. The effects of medication are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects when taken improperly.
When you choose to take medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen, because humans are awfully inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could make sense to pay for an assessment.