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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 as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred following tips received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers contacted. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But does it work? Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor? If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can evaluate your health and provide the proper treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you time and money in the end. There are some concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those affected. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services are not 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 over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients they were ADHD even though they were not. A private assessment usually starts with a series of screening questions, which you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment. The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history, as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a'shared-care agreement'. This allows 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 necessary. What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis? In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private specialists to determine their condition. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis. Read Significantly more who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a physical examination as well as tests like hearing and vision. This will include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales of rating and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to rate you. When evaluating adults with ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom over six months that are severe enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your work and social history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties or an abuse history, and drug or 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. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their decision. People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive. What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis? It's worth remembering that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you. If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain why. It may be because you did not provide enough information about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the decision you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure. No matter if you opt for private or use NHS services, the wait time for an assessment could be long and it's worth pondering that your doctor may find the process difficult. This isn't because of the people involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limits. GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to consider other options. It is important to remember that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other social and health situations that could influence how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have. We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your concerns. Contact us today or request an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you. What happens if I don't want to take medication? If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England or via the 'Right to Choose' pathway which is a lot faster. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will allow your doctor to understand the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The doctor will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers. If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. The effects of medications are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment. The doctor will issue you the prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed because of insufficient clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting time, it could be beneficial to pay for an assessment.