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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to. Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really working? Why do I need a private diagnostic? If you or someone you know has ADHD You should consult a specialist who will accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be. In the face of these challenges it's not surprising that more adults are opting to seek an appointment with a private physician. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they weren't. A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires that you must fill out and submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then conduct a thorough review of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also conduct physical 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, your clinician will forward documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy if required. What happens if I don't have a diagnosis? In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can give more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a physical exam and tests, such as 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 history and your symptoms. They may also employ standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too. When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor 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 determine whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your professional and social background to rule out problems like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse. During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication in this way. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the disorder and because it's costly. What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis? It is important to remember that your doctor must be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you. If how to get an adult adhd diagnosis finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. It could be because you did not give enough detail about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you are not happy with this choice, you can ask for another opinion from a different doctor or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure. It's important to consider that your clinician may find the assessment process difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. This isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to its limits. GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC. The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. 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 associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive an assessment. This is especially true when the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth or has other social and health issues that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms. We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and can provide support and treatment for your problems. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a an email to find out what we can do to assist you. What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication? You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to recommend you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the “Right to Choose” route, which is more efficient. Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. The doctor will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers. If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication before making a decision. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may be harmful if taken properly. The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a long duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing them. However, it's important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an actual science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.