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 after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is how to get an adult adhd diagnosis ?
What is the reason I need an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Many people also feel that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
It's not surprising, then, that more adults choose to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.
A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questions that you will be asked to complete and return to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to help the clinician decide whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as well as the impact 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 program.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and frustrating. Some adults can't endure this long and go to private specialists for their assessment. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can offer more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing or vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history and social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD scales for rating and request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to affect the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also look at your social and work history to rule out any issues like financial hardship or an abuse history, and drug or alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, GPs have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the disorder and because it is expensive.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. You may not have given enough details about your issues, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If adhd diagnosis uk adults 're not satisfied with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints process.
It is important to remember that your physician might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people who are involved.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to look at alternatives.
It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are ethnically minorities or born female or have other social or health circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us or request an appointment online to find out what we can do to help.
What happens if you don't want me to take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without taking 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" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your physician understand the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers.
If the doctor decides that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could be harmful if taken in a proper manner.
The psychiatrist will provide you with an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take a medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. It is also important to remember that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate clinical assessments. We're not sure that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.