ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. But is it effective?
Why do I need an individual diagnosis?
If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
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. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Many people feel that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to have a private assessment. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and told patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history, as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will forward documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be necessary.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big 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 specialists to determine their health. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family background and your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They might also utilize the standard ADHD rating scales and may need to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptom over six months that are severe enough to interfere with work or home life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your social and work history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties, an abuse history, and drug or alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the disorder and because it's expensive.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues 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 doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It could be due to your inability to provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe another condition explains your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the decision you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or follow the NHS complaints process.
It is important to remember that your clinician may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. This is not because of the individuals involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to its limits.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use shortcut diagnostic methods, which could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and an excellent reason to consider alternative options.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
We can help you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and can provide support and treatment for your issues. You can make an appointment online or give us a call to see how we might be able to help.
What happens If you don't want me take my medication?
You can receive a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to send you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinical interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your physician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial that you provide honest and truthful information.
If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could be harmful if taken in a proper manner.
The doctor will issue you an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. It is important to also be aware of 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 sparked controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We are hesitant to say that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an actual science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.