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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really effective? Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor? If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run. There are some concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Many people also feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be. It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to undergo a private examination. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics ran tests 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, which you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then conduct a detailed review of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward paperwork to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy if necessary. What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment? A clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private providers to determine their situation. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This can include a physical examination and tests like hearing and vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history and your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD rating scales and ask your caregivers or teachers to give you a score. When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms over six months that are serious enough to cause disruption in the demands of work or at home. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your professional and social history to rule out problems like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision. If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the disorder and because it's costly. What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis? Remember that your doctor must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you. If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain the reason. You may not have provided enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the diagnosis you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints process. If you choose to go private or use NHS healthcare, the wait time for an assessment could be long and it's important to consider that your doctor might find the process frustrating. This is not because of the patients affected, but rather because NHS services are stretched to its limits. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they provide a solid safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a valid 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 some people to receive an assessment. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has any other health and social circumstances which can affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your issues. You can call us or request an appointment online to learn what we can do to help. What happens if I don't want to take medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without taking medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right to Choose' pathway which is a lot quicker. Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The doctor will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial to provide truthful and accurate answers. If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be in a position to give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could be harmful if taken properly. The doctor will issue you an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've experienced these symptoms for. However, it is also important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as an actual science. However, if you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to get an individual assessment.