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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs after unreliable video call assessments at private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective? Why do I require an individual diagnosis? If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a specialist who can evaluate your health and provide the proper treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS but private diagnosis may be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be. It's not a surprise, then, that more adults choose to have a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality, they did not. A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose. The physician will then conduct a detailed review of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan. If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward documents to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy if required. What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis? If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long to seek out private specialists to determine their health. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This may include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. This could include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history, as well as social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also utilize standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too. When evaluating diagnosing adult adhd ADHD Diagnosis , the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms over six months that are serious enough to interfere with work or home life. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your social and work history to rule out problems such as financial hardship or 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 a healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive. What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis? Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might be able to 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. It may be due to your inability to give enough detail about your issues or they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure. It's important to consider that your clinician may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the individuals who are involved. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC. The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put people in danger. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to think about alternatives. It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present. We can assist you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us today or make an appointment online to find out how we can help. What happens if I don't want to take medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to recommend you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose” method, which is quicker. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and some validated tests. This will allow your doctor to understand the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The doctor will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate information. If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be able to provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner. The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. You may be given ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for. It is important to also be aware of other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate in particular because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is a science. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to pay for a private assessment.