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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really effective? What is the reason I need an individual diagnosis? If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can evaluate your health and provide the appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money. 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 to get an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Additionally, many believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be. In the face of these problems, it's not surprising that more people are opting to go for a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they weren't. A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not to attend an entire diagnostic appointment. The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on 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. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed. What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis? In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their assessment. This can save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis. A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too. When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more signs over six months that are serious enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse. During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. how to get an adhd diagnosis will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second 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 patient back to share management via the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the disorder and because it's expensive. What happens If I don't like my diagnosis? Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you. If your physician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. You may have not provided enough details 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 an additional opinion from a different clinician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure. If you choose to go private or take advantage of NHS care, the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy, and it's worth considering that your clinician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people involved. GPs also struggle to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to look at other options. It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has any other social and health issues that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms. If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your issues. You can request an appointment on our website or give us a phone to discuss how we might be able to help. What happens when you don't want me to take my medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to recommend you to one of the centers that specialize in England or use the 'Right to Choose” method, which is quicker. Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to understand how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful responses. If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication prior to making the decision. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not taken properly. The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. It is essential to be aware of 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 a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen because we are inexact creatures and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might be a good idea to pay for an assessment.