ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics according to 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 many people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?

Why do I need a private diagnosis?

If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can evaluate your condition and provide you with the proper treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.

There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for get adhd diagnosis assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those affected. Many people think that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be.

In light of these problems it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to undergo a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they weren't.

A private examination will typically start with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.

The physician will then conduct a thorough examination of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.

If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward paperwork to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.

What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?

A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long to look for private doctors to determine their health. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to keep in mind that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can offer more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This may include a physical examination and tests, such as hearing and vision. This will include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They might also employ standard ADHD rating scales and may be able to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.

When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also check whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your work and social life history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties or a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.

During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision.

If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can access medication this way. However, doctors have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and also because it's costly.

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

Remember that your therapist must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you.

If your clinician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It could be that you haven't provided enough information about your issues or they might believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with the outcome then you can seek an additional opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

It's important to consider that your physician may find the assessment process difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. This is not because of the individuals involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to its limits.

GPs also have to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the standards of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.

Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics employ techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a tragedy for the entire country and an excellent reason to look at other options.

It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is of a minority ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has other social and health issues that can influence the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.

If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your issues. You can call us or request an appointment online to learn how we can assist you.

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

If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right to Choose route which is a lot more efficient.

Your appointment will comprise a validated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician know how to Get diagnosed with Adhd these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful answers.

If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is crucial to think about the implications of taking any medication before making a decision. The effects of a medication are long-lasting, and may be dangerous when taken improperly.

If you decide to use medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is essential to remember that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed because of insufficient clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely is an academic discipline. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.