ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really effective?

Why do I require a private diagnostic?

If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a professional who can assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.

There are concerns regarding the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for treatment 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 think that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.

In the face of these issues it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to seek a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and told patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality they didn't.

A private examination will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires that you are asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis.

The doctor will then conduct a detailed assessment of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and then given a treatment plan.

If you're getting diagnosed with adhd with ADHD, your clinician will send paperwork to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.

What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?

A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private professionals for an assessment. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination and tests like 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 your social and medical history, treatment and will also inquire about your symptoms. They might also utilize the standard ADHD rating scales and may need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.

When evaluating adults with adhd diagnosis private The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs within a period of six months that are serious enough to disrupt the demands of work or at home. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also evaluate your social and professional history to rule out problems like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as drug and 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 needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.

People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information 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 medication in this way. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and also because it's costly.

What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your clinician must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you.

If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain the reason. You may not have provided enough information about your difficulties or they may think that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with the outcome, you can ask for an alternative opinion from a different doctor or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.

It is important to be aware that your clinician may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the individuals involved.

GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and an excellent reason to look at alternatives.

It is important to remember that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to be given a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other social or health circumstances that affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. You can call us or make an appointment online to discuss how we can help.

What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?

You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or by the 'Right To Choose option, which is much faster.

Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and certain validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to know the way these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The doctor will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you provide accurate and truthful responses.

If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be in a position to give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may be dangerous if taken incorrectly.

If you decide to use medication, your doctor will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. It is important to also remember that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We hesitate to say this isn't the case because we aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an academic discipline. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it may be beneficial to pay for an assessment.