ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with adhd diagnosis in adults and given powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/coe-2023.png)Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it effective?
why is everyone being diagnosed with adhd do I require an individual diagnostic?
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a professional who can assess your condition and provide the necessary treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.
There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. Many think that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be.
It's not surprising, then, that more adults choose to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and telling patients they had ADHD when, in fact they didn't.
A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your family and medical history, and how are adults diagnosed with adhd the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private providers to assess their health. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can offer more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a medical exam and tests like hearing or vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They may also utilize the standard ADHD rating scales and might want to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to affect the family or work environment. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also assess your social and work history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties, the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform 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 are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their decision.
People who receive a private 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 with ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and also because it's costly.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. You may have not provided enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with this choice, you can ask for another opinion from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your physician might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the individuals who are involved.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, and meet the standards of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to think about alternatives.
It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has other health and social circumstances that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can offer support and treatment for your issues. You can request an appointment online or give us a call to see what we can do to assist you.
What happens if I don't want to take medication?
You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not need to take any medication. You can obtain an adult diagnosis for adhd ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose“ route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will comprise an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily activities. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.
If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can give you a adult add diagnosis. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before deciding, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could be harmful if used in a safe manner.
The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the length of time you have been experiencing them, it might be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/top-doctors-logo.png)The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed because of insufficient clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. However, if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms and you are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, it is possible to pay for a private assessment.
