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 was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective?
Why do I need an individual diagnosis?
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a professional who can accurately assess your health and provide the proper treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS but private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Many feel that the NHS assessment services are not as good as they could be.
In the light of these issues it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to seek an assessment by a private doctor. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of screening questions that 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. The results can be used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The doctor will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will send paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This allows 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, if necessary.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment?
A good diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and frustrating. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an evaluation. This can save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a physical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history, as well as social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They might also use the standard ADHD rating scales and may need to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. adult adhd diagnosis uk and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also evaluate your social and professional history to rule out problems such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, GPs have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and also because it is expensive.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause serious 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 suitable for you.
If your clinician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It could be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you are not happy with this choice then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different clinician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or access NHS care, the wait time for an assessment can be long and it's important to consider that your clinician might find the process frustrating. This isn't because of the individuals involved, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limits.
GPs are trying to navigate the complex 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 standards of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics use techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and could put patients at risk. This is a national scourge, and a very real reason to look at alternatives.
It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other health or social issues which can affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a an email to find out what we can do to assist.
What happens If you don't wish me to take my medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without the need for medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to recommend you to one of the centers that specialize in England or use the 'Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful responses.
If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before deciding it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects when taken improperly.
The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. You may be given ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've experienced them. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry barely is a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.