ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really working?
Why do I require a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you love has ADHD You should consult a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe the best treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this could cause a lot of distress for those affected. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact they didn't.
A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questionnaires you are asked to complete and return to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The clinician will then conduct a detailed review of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and frustrating. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private providers to assess their situation. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to understand that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This may include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family background and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also utilize standard ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in the family or work environment. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your work and social history to rule out any issues such as financial hardship or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with here their conclusion.
People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this information with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication this way. However, GPs have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and because it's expensive.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain why. You may have not given enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with this decision then you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your doctor may find the assessment process difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the people involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they offer a robust, fair and safe service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.
The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national issue 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 harder for certain people to be given an assessment. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other social or health circumstances that affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your concerns. You can call us or request an appointment online to find out how we can help.
What happens when you don't want me take my medication?
You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England or via the 'Right to choose option which is more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to determine the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate 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 a medication. Before deciding, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may be dangerous if taken incorrectly.
If you decide to use medication, the doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it could be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient evaluations of clinical conditions. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.