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, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tips received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers spoke to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it effective? Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor? If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those affected. Additionally, many think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be. In the face of these problems it's not a surprise that more people are opting to go for an assessment by a private doctor. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they were not. A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment for diagnosis. The physician will then conduct a thorough assessment of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive test. Based on your situation, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will forward documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. https://www.adhddiagnosis.top/ can also consult your personal doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, if required. What happens if I do not get an appointment? In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Some adults are unable to wait that long to seek out private providers to determine their health. This can save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis. A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history, as well as medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD rating scales and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to give you a score. When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to affect work or family life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your professional and social history to rule out issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction. During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can decide to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person to share management via the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition or because it's costly. What happens If I don't like my diagnosis? It's worth remembering that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you. If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain the reason. It could be that you haven't provided enough information about your struggles or they might believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the outcome you may seek an additional opinion from a different physician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure. It is important to remember that your doctor may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the individuals affected. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must make sure they provide a solid, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing. The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to think about alternatives. It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth or has any other social and health issues that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms. If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your difficulties. You can request an appointment online or give us a phone to discuss how we might be able to assist. What happens when you don't wish me to take my medication? You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take medication. You can receive 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 follow the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will consider your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial that you give truthful and accurate information. If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication before making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner. If you decide to take medication, the doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, in particular because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.