ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs following unreliable video assessments at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following 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 is it effective?
Why do I need an individual diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those affected. Additionally, many think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.
It's not surprising, therefore, that more adults choose to have a private assessment. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.
A private assessment will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires you are asked to fill out and submit to the doctor. The tests are designed to see if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment to diagnose.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward documentation to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be needed.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Some adults are unable to wait that long and look for private doctors to evaluate their condition. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This could include a medical exam and tests such as hearing or vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They might also utilize standardized ADHD rating scales and might be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out problems such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their decision.
If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss it 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 medication. However, doctors have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the condition and also because it's expensive.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other diagnoses here or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your clinician determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It could be because you did not give enough detail about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints process.
No matter if you opt for private or access NHS healthcare the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy, and it's important to consider that your clinician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched too thin and this isn't the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs are trying to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they provide a reliable, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance 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 scourge, and a very real reason to think about alternative options.
It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social or health situations that could influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your concerns. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out what we can do to assist you.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the centers that specialize in England or use the 'Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to assess 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 important that you provide truthful and accurate information.
If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before making a decision it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could be harmful if taken properly.
If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the length of time you have been suffering from them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is also important to remember that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, particularly because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate clinical assessments. We're not sure that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment with a private practitioner.