ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really effective?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you love has ADHD You should consult a specialist who will accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are some concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.
In the light of these challenges it's not surprising that more people are opting to seek a private assessment. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't.
A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires you must complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment to diagnose.
The doctor will then review your medical background and family history as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
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 difficult. Some adults cannot wait that long and seek out private specialists to evaluate their health. This could save time and stress, but it's important to recognize that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a medical exam and tests such as hearing or vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history, as well as medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD scales for rating, and may ask your caregivers or teachers to evaluate you.
When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also look to determine whether these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your work and social history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties or a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be tolerant and respectful 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 in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could 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. It may be because you did not provide enough details about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or follow the NHS complaints process.
If you choose to go private or take advantage of NHS care, the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy, and it's worth considering that your clinician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched too thin and this is not the fault of the people involved.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to look at alternative options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to receive a diagnosis. learn more is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social or health circumstances that can influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your concerns. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a phone to discuss what we can do to help.
What happens if you don't want me take my medication?
You can receive a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to recommend you to one of the centers that specialize in England or go through the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and some validated assessments. This will help your physician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they affect your daily routine. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD They can give you an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and be harmful if taken properly.
When you choose to take medication, the doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. You may be given ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. However, it's important to remember 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 diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to say this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as an actual science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be beneficial to pay for an assessment.