ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to. https://suarez-persson-2.technetbloggers.de/10-unexpected-adhd-diagnosis-tips-1725827879 waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. But is it really working? Why do I need an individual diagnostic? If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more precise and can save time and money. There are some concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be. In the light of these issues it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and told patients they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not. A private assessment typically begins with a series of screening questions, which you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis. The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with paperwork for a'shared-care agreement'. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be necessary. What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis? A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and difficult. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it does not guarantee 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 physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history and medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD rating scales and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to give you a score. 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 family or work environment. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your professional and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse. During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive. What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis? Remember that your therapist must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you. If your clinician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. It may be due to your inability to provide enough details about your struggles or they believe another condition explains your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the decision you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or follow the NHS complaints process. Whether you go private or access NHS healthcare waiting times for an appointment can be lengthy and it's worth pondering that your doctor might find the process frustrating. This isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit. GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a solid safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a real reason to look at alternative options. It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to be given an assessment. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other health and social circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present. If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. Contact us or make an appointment online to find out how we can help. What happens if you don't want me to take my medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis 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 consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your clinician know the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is crucial that you give honest and truthful information. If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and be harmful if used in a safe manner. The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. It is essential to remember that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry barely is an actual science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could make sense to pay for an assessment.