ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really effective? Why do I require a private diagnostic? If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can assess 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 both time and money in the long run. There are concerns regarding the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be. It's not a surprise, then that more adults opt to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and told patients that they had ADHD even though, in actual, they did not. A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to complete and return to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment for diagnosis. The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan. After you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be necessary. What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question? 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 can't wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their assessment. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history, as well as social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD rating scales, and may request your teachers or caregivers to rate you. When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms 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 the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. 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 alcohol or drug abuse. During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and because it is expensive. What happens If I don't like my diagnosis? It's worth remembering that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you. If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain the reason. You may not have provided enough information about your difficulties, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome, you can ask for another opinion from a different physician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure. No matter if you opt for private or use NHS healthcare waiting times for an appointment can be lengthy and it's worth pondering that your clinician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the individuals who are involved. GPs also face challenges in navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC. The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics utilize quick diagnostic techniques, which can put patients in danger. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to consider alternative options. It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to be given an assessment. https://jsfiddle.net/epochbottle29/oxe9dhn0/ is particularly true if the person is a member of a minority group or was a female at birth or has any other social and health issues that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms. If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your problems. You can call us or request an appointment online to find out how we can assist you. What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication? You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right To Choose option, which is much more efficient. Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily activities. The clinician will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial that you give accurate and truthful responses. If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before making a decision it is essential to consider the pros and cons of taking a medication. The effects of a medication are long-lasting, and may have serious side effects if taken incorrectly. The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, as well as the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an actual science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.