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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers spoke to. Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work? Why do I need an individual diagnosis? If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a doctor who can evaluate your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money. There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many think that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be. In the face of these issues it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they weren't. A private examination will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires you must fill out and submit to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis. The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The clinician will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and then given a treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will forward documents to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy when required. What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis? If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and frustrating. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private providers for their evaluation. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This can include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD rating scales and request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you. When assessing adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social history to rule out any issues such as financial hardship, a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse. During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their decision. People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication in this way. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive. What if I disagree with my diagnosis? Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic 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 to suggest other treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you. If your clinician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your issues or they might believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints process. No matter if you opt for private or use NHS care waiting times for an assessment could be long and it's worth considering that your clinician might find the process frustrating. This isn't because of the patients involved, but rather because NHS services are stretched to its limits. GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, and meet the standards of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to consider other options. It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive an assessment. This is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other social and health circumstances that affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present. If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a call to see how we might be able to assist you. What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without taking medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England, or through the 'Right to choose option which is quicker. Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and some validated tests. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will take into account your previous experiences and family history. click this link now is important that you give truthful and accurate information. If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. The effects of a medication are long-lasting, and may be dangerous if taken incorrectly. The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it is also important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as 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 patients are misdiagnosed due to inadequate diagnostic tests. We are reticent to say that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry barely a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might be beneficial to pay for an assessment.