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, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective? Why do I need a private diagnosis? If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD You should seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you time and money in the end. There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those suffering. Many people think that the NHS assessment services aren't as effective as they could be. In light of these problems it's not surprising that more people 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 documentary revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact, they did not. A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment. The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history, as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. https://skriver-newton.federatedjournals.com/are-private-adhd-diagnosis-the-best-there-ever-was-1725185353 will also perform a physical exam and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will submit documentation to your GP to request 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 when needed. What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis? A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long to look for private doctors to evaluate their health. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This may include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD rating scales and ask your caregivers or teachers to rate you. When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom within a period of six months that are serious enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your work and social life history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties, a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse. During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their conclusion. Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive. What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis? Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you. If your doctor finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It may be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints process. It is important to remember that your clinician might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the patients involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS services are stretched to its limits. GPs also struggle to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC. The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. https://rentry.co/n4pnwyfw is a national catastrophe and an excellent reason to think about alternative options. It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to be given an assessment. This is especially true when the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth or has any other health or social issues which can affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your issues. Contact us or request an appointment online to find out how we can assist you. What happens when you don't wish me to take my medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to use medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without the need for medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to recommend you to one of the specialist centers in England or use the 'Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient. Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your clinician determine the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The doctor will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to provide truthful and accurate information. If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be in a position to give you an assessment. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly. If you decide to use medication, your doctor will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is also important to keep in mind that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as an academic discipline. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to get an assessment with a private practitioner.