ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs following unreliable video assessments in private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place following tips received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really effective?
Why do I need a private diagnostic?
If you or someone you love has ADHD You should consult a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you time and money in the end.
There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.
In the face of these issues, it's not surprising that more people are opting to seek an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private assessment usually starts with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The tests are designed to see if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results aid the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their evaluation. This can save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This can include a physical examination and tests like hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family background and your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD rating scales, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
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 affect work or family life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your work and social life history to rule out problems such as financial hardship or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication this way. However, doctors have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the disorder and because it's expensive.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest other diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your clinician determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. It could be because you did not give enough detail about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints process.
It's important to consider that your physician might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. This isn't because of the patients affected, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limits.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they provide a solid, fair and safe service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to consider alternatives.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive an assessment. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group or was a female at birth or has any other health or social issues which can affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us or request an appointment online to find out what we can do to help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without taking medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers that specialize in England or follow the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and some validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily activities. The doctor will take into consideration your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial that you provide truthful and accurate information.
If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if you read more are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication prior to making the decision. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner.
The doctor will issue you an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it might be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is also important to keep in mind that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We are hesitant to say that this isn't the case because we aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as an actual science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.