ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work?
What is the reason I need an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you love has ADHD, you should seek out a professional who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.
It's not a surprise, then that more people choose to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the telephone and told patients they were ADHD even though they were not.
A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you must fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results will assist the doctor to decide whether or not to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct a thorough review of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and painful. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private specialists for their evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can provide an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history and medical and social history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD scales of rating and ask your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to affect the family or work environment. They will also check if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your social and work history to rule out problems like financial hardship or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide 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 are able to access medications. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you.
If your doctor determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It may be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your issues or they believe another condition explains your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your clinician may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the individuals involved.
GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they provide a reliable, fair and safe service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which can put people in danger. This is a national scandal and a compelling reason to consider alternatives.
It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to be given the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other health and social circumstances that affect how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and can offer support read more and treatment to address your concerns. You can make an appointment online or give us a call to see how we might be able to help.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication?
You can receive a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the centers for specialists in England or follow the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will include an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is crucial that you provide honest and truthful information.
If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is crucial to think about the implications of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.
The psychiatrist will give you the prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the length of time you have been experiencing them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen because we are inexact and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to take out a private assessment.