ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed strong medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out following 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 exam. But is it really working?

Why do I need a private diagnosis?

If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can assess your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however 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 demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Many people believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.

It's not surprising, therefore, that more adults choose to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the phone and told patients they were ADHD when they weren't.

A private assessment typically begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results are used to help the clinician decide whether or not to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.

The clinician will then conduct an in-depth review of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if required.

What happens if I don't receive an appointment?

A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private specialists for their assessment. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a physical exam and tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family background and medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too.

When assessing adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more signs over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your work and social life history to rule out problems like financial hardship or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.

During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.

People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive.

What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.

If your physician determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. It may be because you did not provide enough information about your struggles or they believe that a different condition can explain your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with this decision you may seek an alternative opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

No matter if you opt for private or use NHS services the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched too thin and this is not the fault of the people affected.

GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.

Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national catastrophe and a real reason to look at alternative options.

It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can provide support and treatment for your problems. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a call to see how we might be able to help.

What happens when you don't want me to take my medication?

You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't need to take any medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to recommend you to one of the centers for specialists in England or follow the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.

Your appointment will include an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician understand the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is essential that you give honest and truthful information.

If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the implications of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. The effects of medications are long-term, and can have serious side effects if taken incorrectly.

If you decide to use medication, your doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. 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 suffering from them. It is essential to get more info be aware of other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is an academic discipline. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might be a good idea to pay for an assessment.