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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective? What is the reason I need a private diagnosis? If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you time and money in the end. There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Furthermore, a lot of people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be. It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and told patients they were ADHD even though they weren't. A private assessment will typically start with a series of screening questions that you are asked to fill out and submit to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis. The physician will then conduct a detailed review of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will submit documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if needed. What happens if I don't get an answer to my question? A good diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their assessment. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to keep in mind that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD rating scales and might want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too. When evaluating adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are severe enough to disrupt the demands of work or at home. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social life background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties, the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse. 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 diagnosis for adhd will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive. What if I disagree with my diagnosis? It is important to remember that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you. If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain why. It may be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough details about your difficulties or because they believe that a different condition can explain your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints process. It's important to consider that your physician may find the assessment process difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the people involved. GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing. The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to look at alternative options. It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity, was assigned female at birth, or has other social and health issues which can affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your problems. Contact us today or make an appointment online to find out how we can assist you. What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication? If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the “Right to Choose” pathway which is faster. Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers. If the doctor decides that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you an assessment. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision, it is important to consider the pros and cons of taking a medication. The effects of a medication are long-lasting, and may have serious side effects when taken improperly. When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is important to also 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 treat ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this isn't the case because we aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an actual science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could make sense to pay for an assessment.