ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. adult adhd diagnosis uk was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work?
Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. Many people think that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
In the light of these problems, it's not surprising that more people are opting to go for an appointment with a private physician. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients they were ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose.
The physician will then conduct a detailed review of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is required.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long and seek out private specialists to evaluate their situation. This can save time and stress, but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family background and medical and social history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also use standardized ADHD rating scales and might be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person to share management via the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's costly.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor should be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate 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. You may have not provided enough details about your struggles or they may think that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the outcome then you can seek an additional opinion from a different clinician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your clinician may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people affected.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complicated diagnosis process for 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 as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which can put people in danger. This is a national scourge, and a very real reason to think about alternative options.
It is important to remember that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to be given a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other social or health circumstances that can influence how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss how we might be able to assist you.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or by the 'Right To Choose route which is more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of a validated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician determine the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.
The psychiatrist will provide you with an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the length of time you have been experiencing them, it could be recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of insufficient clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen because we are inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.