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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 at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers spoke to. Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective? Why do I need a private diagnostic? If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can evaluate your health and provide the appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you both time and money in the end. There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Many people feel that the NHS assessment services are not as good as they could be. In light of these issues it's not a surprise that more people are opting to seek an assessment by a private doctor. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the phone and told patients they were ADHD even though they weren't. A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires you will be asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then conduct a detailed assessment of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. adhd diagnosis adults www.iampsychiatry.uk will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and then given a treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with a request for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required. What happens if I don't have an answer to my question? In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long to look for private doctors to determine their condition. This could save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis. A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family background and social and medical history and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also utilize the standard ADHD rating scales and might need to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too. When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also look to determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your work and social background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug misuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their decision. People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this information with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. Some doctors are reluctant 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? It's worth remembering that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you. If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain why. It could 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 behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you are not happy with this decision then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure. It's important to consider that your clinician may find the assessment process difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. This is not because of the people affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limits. GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they offer a robust, fair and safe service and that they meet 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 compelling reason to look at alternative options. It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when the person is of a different ethnicity, was assigned female at birth, or has other social and health issues that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your concerns. You can make an appointment via our website or give us an email to find out what we can do to assist. What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication? You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not need to take any medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to recommend you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the “Right to Choose” route, which is more efficient. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your clinician understand how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful responses. If the doctor decides that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may be harmful if used in a safe manner. The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've experienced them. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as a science. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, it is possible to get a private assessment.