ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers spoke to. Many people are required to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work? Why do I need a private diagnosis? If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS, a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those suffering. Many people believe that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be. In the face of these problems, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't. A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and return to the clinician. The tests are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis. The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history, as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. https://www.adhddiagnosis.top/ will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be necessary. What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis? In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private providers for their evaluation. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This can include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the assessment will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD scales for rating, and may ask your teachers or caregivers 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 that are severe enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also check whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your work and social life history to rule out problems such as financial hardship, the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their decision. If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management under 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 do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis? It's worth remembering that your doctor must be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you. If your clinician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. You may not have given enough details about your difficulties, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with this decision, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different physician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure. If you choose to go private or use NHS healthcare the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy, and it's worth considering that your doctor might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the people who are involved. GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the standards of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC. The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national scourge, and a very real reason to look at alternative options. It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities or born female or have other social and health circumstances that can influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit. We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your issues. You can call us or request an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you. What happens when you don't want me take my medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to send you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose" pathway which is faster. Your appointment will include an assessment that is validated as well as a medical 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 look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial that you provide truthful and accurate information. If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the implications of taking any medication prior to making a decision. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner. The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, particularly because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result of insufficient evaluations of clinical conditions. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen since humans are incredibly inexact and psychiatry is not a science at all. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to take out a private assessment.