ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs following unreliable video assessments at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?
What is the reason I need a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you love has ADHD, you should consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those affected. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
It's not surprising, therefore, that more adults choose to get a private evaluation. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they were not.
A private assessment usually starts with a series of screening questions which you'll be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The doctor will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will submit paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your personal doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be required.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private specialists for their evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD rating scales and might want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also look to determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also evaluate your professional and social background to rule out issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their decision.
Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and because it is expensive.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It could be due to your inability to give enough detail about your issues or they believe that a different condition can explain your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your physician may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. This isn't because of the people affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to its limits.
GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put people in danger. This is a national scourge and a valid reason to consider alternatives.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is particularly true if they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other health and social situations that could influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can help if you think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your problems. You can schedule an appointment via our website or give us an email to find out what we can do to assist you.
What happens if diagnose adhd in adults don't want to take a medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without taking medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right to Choose' pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will consist of a validated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide honest and truthful information.
If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may have serious side effects when taken improperly.
When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, in particular because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being frustrated by the NHS wait times, then it can make sense to get an assessment with a private practitioner.