ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens 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?
Why do I require an individual diagnostic?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can evaluate your health and provide the necessary treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many people believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.
It's not a surprise, then that more people choose to undergo a private examination. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and told patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.
A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history, as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will forward paperwork to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private providers for their evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family history and your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD scales for rating and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to rate you.
When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms 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 look at whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social history to rule out problems like financial hardship or an abuse history, and drug or alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.
People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication this way. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and because it is expensive.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.
If your doctor finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your difficulties, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with this choice then you can seek an additional opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your clinician may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the people involved.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to look at alternatives.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group or was a female at birth or has any other health and social circumstances that affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.
We can assist you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide support and treatment for your difficulties. You can make an appointment online or give us a an email to find out how we might be able to assist you.
What happens when you don't want me take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to use medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to send you to one of the centers that specialize in England or follow the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. I Am Psychiatry will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner.
The doctor will issue you the prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. You may be given ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, particularly because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We are reticent to say that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to take out an individual assessment.