ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation took place after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But does it actually work?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a professional who can evaluate your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.
There are some concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those suffering. Furthermore, a lot of people think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.
In the light of these problems it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to seek a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone and told patients they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results will assist the doctor to decide whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The doctor will then review your medical background and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will submit paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I don't receive an appointment?
A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an assessment. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This can include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family background and your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales of rating and may also request your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
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 affect the home or in the workplace. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your work and social background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties or an abuse history, and alcohol or drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.
If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain the reason. You may not have given enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome, you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your physician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. This isn't because of the people affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put people in danger. This is a national issue and a valid reason to look at alternatives.
It is important to remember that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to be given the diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth, or has other social and health issues which can affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us or request an appointment online to learn what we can do to help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?
getting a diagnosis for adhd ADHD Diagnosis can get a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not need to take any medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or use the 'Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will help your clinician know the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial that you give accurate and truthful responses.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD They can give you an assessment. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may be dangerous if taken incorrectly.
If you decide to take medication, the psychiatrist will give you a plan and a prescription. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate in particular because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as an academic discipline. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.