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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work?
What is the reason I need a private diagnosis?
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a doctor who can accurately assess your health and provide the proper treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.
In the face of these issues it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to undergo an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they were not.
A private examination will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires you are asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.
The physician will then conduct a detailed assessment of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will submit documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is necessary.
What happens if I don't get an appointment?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their assessment. This can help save time and stress, but it's important to understand that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This could include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family background and medical and social history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD scales for rating and request your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your work and social life background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties, a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they think that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and also because it's expensive.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that IamPsychiatry must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate 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 struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome, you can ask for another opinion from a different doctor or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your clinician might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the people who are involved.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they provide a reliable, fair and safe service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to think about alternatives.
It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other health and social circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
We can help you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to help you overcome your issues. Contact us or request an appointment online to learn how we can assist you.
What happens if I don't want to take medication?
You can be diagnosed when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take medication. You can receive 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 go through the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include a validated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they affect your daily routine. The doctor will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential that you provide honest and truthful information.
If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication before making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner.
If you decide to use medication, your doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. It is essential 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, especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient evaluations of clinical conditions. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry hardly is a science. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to pay for an individual assessment.