ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you love has ADHD You should find a doctor who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you time and money in the end.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and told patients they were ADHD even though they weren't.
A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if it is appropriate to schedule a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history, as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a'shared-care agreement'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is required.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A good 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 are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their assessment. how is adhd diagnosed in adults can save you time and frustration, but it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family history and social and medical history and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales of rating and 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 serious enough to cause disruption in work or family life. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your social and work background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties, the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform you if they think that 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 conclusion.
If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication this way. However, GPs have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the disorder and because it is expensive.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain the reason. You may have not provided enough details about your issues or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with this choice then you can seek another opinion from a different physician or take your case to 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 is not because of the individuals affected, but rather because NHS services are stretched to its limits.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a valid reason to look at alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive an assessment. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth, or has other health and social circumstances that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your issues. You can request an appointment via our website or give us call to see how we might be able to help.
What happens when you don't wish me to take my medication?
You can be diagnosed when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. 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 option which is quicker.
Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician know how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential to provide honest and truthful information.
If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision it is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.
The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it could be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is also important to remember that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include 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 insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to say this isn't the case because we aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry barely is a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might be a good idea to pay for an assessment.