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 following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really working? Why do I require an individual diagnosis? If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should find a doctor who can accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe best treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you time and money in the end. There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. Many believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as effective as they could be. It's not a surprise, then that more people choose to undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the telephone and told patients they were ADHD even though they were not. A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results aid the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis. The doctor will then conduct a thorough review of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program. After you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward documents to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, if required. What happens if I don't get an answer to my question? In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private professionals for an assessment. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis. A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination and tests, such as hearing and vision. This could include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They may also employ standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too. When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to interfere in the family or work environment. They will also look to determine whether these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your work and social history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties or an abuse history, and alcohol or drug misuse. During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision. If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and because it's costly. What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis? It is important to remember that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you. If your physician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. It could be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your struggles or they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the decision, you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure. No matter if you opt for private or take advantage of NHS healthcare waiting times for an assessment could be long and it's important to consider that your clinician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people affected. http://suhrhenriksen.jigsy.com/entries/general/10-Things-We-Are-Hateful-About-Diagnosing-Adult-ADHD are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must make sure they provide a solid, fair and safe service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing. The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put people in danger. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to consider alternatives. It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group or was a female at birth or has any other health or social issues that can influence how medical professionals view their symptoms. We can help 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 problems. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a call to see what we can do to help. What happens If you don't want me to take my medication? If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without taking medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers for specialists in England or follow the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster. Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to determine the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial that you provide honest and truthful information. If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may be harmful if taken in a proper manner. The psychiatrist will provide you with an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are being frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to pay for a private assessment.