ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
 Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tips received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnostic?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run.
There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, and this could cause a lot of distress for those affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to have a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and told patients that they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't.
A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis.
The doctor will then conduct a detailed review of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write 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 charge) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if required.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long and look for private doctors to evaluate their condition. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can give more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a physical examination as well as tests like hearing and vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to rate you.
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 home or in the workplace. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they think 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 are not satisfied with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain why. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your struggles or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the diagnosis, you can seek another opinion from another clinician or go through the NHS complaints process.
It is important to remember that your clinician may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. This isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service delivery is stretched to the limits.
GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the standards of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to think about alternative options.
It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female at birth, or has other social and health issues that can influence the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to help you overcome your issues. Contact us today or make an appointment online to learn how we can help.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or by the 'Right To Choose' pathway which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is essential to provide truthful and accurate answers.
If the clinician determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could be harmful if taken properly.
If you decide to take medication, your doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you have been experiencing them, it might be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is also important to keep in mind 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 uk private adhd diagnosis clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that patients are being diagnosed with adhd as an adult falsely diagnosed due to inadequate diagnostic tests. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen since humans are incredibly inexact and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might be beneficial to pay for an assessment.
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