ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to. Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work? Why do I require an individual diagnostic? If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should find a doctor who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS but a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the end. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be. In light of these issues it's not a surprise that more people are opting to undergo an appointment with a private physician. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and told patients they were ADHD when they were not. A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis. The clinician will then conduct an in-depth review of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program. After you've been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is required. What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question? A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Many adults can't wait that long to look for private doctors to determine their health. This can help save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis. A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD scales for rating and ask your teachers or caregivers to rate you. When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom over six months that are serious enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also evaluate your professional and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person to share management via the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, GPs have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and because it is expensive. What if I disagree with my diagnosis? It is important to remember that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you. If your doctor determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they provide the reasons for this. It may be because you did not provide enough details about your struggles or they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the decision you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints process. It is important to be aware that your doctor might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the people affected. GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must make sure they provide a solid safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to think about alternative options. It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to be given a diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is a member of a minority group or was a female at birth or has other health or social issues that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. We can help if you think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to offer support and treatment for your problems. Contact us or make an appointment online to find out how we can assist you. What happens if I don't want to take a medication? You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or by the 'Right To Choose' pathway, which is much faster. Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to determine the way these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The clinician will also consider your past experiences and family history. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/ is crucial to provide truthful and accurate information. If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before deciding, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may be harmful if used in a safe manner. The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a long period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for. It is important to also be aware of other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked controversy, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We're not sure that this does not happen, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to take out an individual assessment.