ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed strong medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.

Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work?

Why do I need a private diagnosis?

If you or someone you know has ADHD You should consult a specialist who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save both time and money.

There are concerns regarding the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.

It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to get a private evaluation. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.

A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questions that you must complete and return to your doctor. The screenings are designed to see if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results will assist the doctor adhd adult diagnosis to decide whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment.

The clinician will then conduct a thorough examination of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with adhd private diagnosis and given a detailed treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will forward documentation to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication, adhd adult diagnosis while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy if necessary.

What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?

A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private professionals for an assessment. 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 with experience in diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD scales for rating, and may ask your caregivers or teachers to give you a score.

When assessing adult 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 affect the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to adhd adult diagnosis (reference). They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction.

During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you don't meet the criteria 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 disagree with their conclusion.

People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can choose to share 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 are able to access medication. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and also because it is expensive.

What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

It is important to remember that your doctor must be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other treatment options that are more suitable for you.

If your physician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. You may not have given enough details about your issues, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints process.

If you choose to go private or take advantage of NHS healthcare, the wait time for an assessment can be long and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. This is not because of the individuals affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.

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

Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize quick diagnostic techniques, which can put people in danger. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a real reason to think about alternative options.

It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to be given an assessment. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth or has any other health or social issues that affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.

We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us today or make an appointment online to find out how we can assist you.

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

You can get a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't need to take any medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to choose' pathway, which is much more efficient.

Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The doctor will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide honest and truthful information.

If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.

The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing them. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate in particular because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed because of insufficient clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.