ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private examination. But does how to get an adhd diagnosis uk work?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can assess your condition and provide you with the proper treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Many people also feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be.
In light of these problems it's not surprising that more people are opting to go for an appointment with a private physician. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they weren't.
A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questions that you must complete and return to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis.
The doctor will then review your medical background and family history, as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if required.
What happens if I don't get an appointment?
A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long to seek out private specialists to determine their condition. This can 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 provide an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This may include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family background and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and might need to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptom within a period of six months that are severe enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your work and social life background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties or the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their decision.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication in this way. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and because it's costly.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain the reason. You may have not provided enough information about your difficulties or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your clinician might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. This isn't due to the individuals affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put people in danger. This is a national issue and a valid reason to look at alternatives.
It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social or health circumstances that affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your concerns. You can request an appointment online or give us a call to see what we can do to help.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to recommend you to one of the centers for specialists in England or go through the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.
Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If a doctor determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you an assessment. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.
The psychiatrist will provide you with an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it might be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate diagnostic tests. We are hesitant to say that this isn't the case because we aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry barely is an actual science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be beneficial to pay for an assessment.