ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. But does it work?

Why do I require an individual diagnosis?

If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can accurately assess your condition and provide the proper treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Many people think that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be.

It's not surprising, therefore, that more adults choose to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD when, in fact, they did not.

A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for female screening which you'll be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment to diagnose.

The physician will then conduct a thorough assessment of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward paperwork to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is required.

What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?

A clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their assessment. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. This will include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They might also utilize standard ADHD rating scales and might need to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.

When evaluating adults with ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptom over six months that are serious enough to disrupt the demands of work or at home. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. 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 the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you are able to request a new assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.

Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication in this way. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and also because it's costly.

What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?

It is important to remember that your doctor must be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant problems for families and individuals. 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 clinician decides you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will then explain the reason. You may have not given enough details about your difficulties or they might believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with this decision then you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

It is important to remember that your doctor might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the people involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limit.

GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.

Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize quick diagnostic techniques, which can put patients in danger. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to consider alternatives.

It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true if the person is of a minority ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has any other social and health issues which can affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.

We can assist you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. You can request an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out how we might be able to assist you.

What happens when you don't want me to take my medication?

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it's possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS offers an adult diagnosis of adhd ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right to choose' pathway which is a lot quicker.

Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and certain validated assessments. This will help your physician determine the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you provide honest and truthful information.

If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be able to provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects if taken incorrectly.

If you decide to use medication, the psychiatrist will give you a plan and a prescription. You may be given ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been suffering from these symptoms for. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as a science. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it is possible to pay for female an individual assessment.