ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers spoke to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. But is it really working? Why do I require an individual diagnostic? If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can evaluate your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS, private diagnosis may be more effective and 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, which can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. Many people also feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as effective as they could be. In light of these problems, it's not surprising that more people are opting to go for an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they were not. A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you are asked to complete and return to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose. The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history, as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program. If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will forward documents to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be needed. What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis? A good diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long and look for private doctors to assess their condition. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family background and medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD rating scales, and may ask your caregivers or teachers to give you a score. When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more signs over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also look to determine whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your professional and social history to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction. 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. https://www.adhddiagnosis.top/ will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision. Anyone who is diagnosed 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 can get medication this way. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the disorder and because it's expensive. What happens when I don't agree 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 create significant difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you. If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It could be due to your inability to give enough detail about your issues or they believe that a different condition can explain your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the outcome, you can ask for an alternative opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure. It's important to consider that your physician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. This isn't because of the people involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to the limit. GPs are trying to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC. The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a real reason to look at alternative options. It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to be given the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities or born female or have other health and social situations that could affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have. If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your concerns. You can request an appointment online or give us a an email to find out how we might be able to help. What happens if you don't want me take my medication? You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right To Choose' pathway which is a lot faster. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and some validated assessments. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to provide honest and truthful information. If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may be harmful if taken in a proper manner. When you choose to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you a plan and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We're not sure that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to take out a private assessment.