ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But does it actually work?

What is the reason I need a private 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 necessary treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more precise and can save time and money.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. Many feel that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.

It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they weren't.

A private assessment usually starts with a series of screening questions, which you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.

The doctor will then review your medical background and family history as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program.

After you've been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form for a'shared-care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if required.

What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?

In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long and seek out private specialists to determine their condition. This could save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.

A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They might also utilize standard ADHD ratings scales, and may need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.

When evaluating adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs over six months that are serious enough to disrupt the demands of work or at home. They will also check if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out problems like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse.

During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision.

If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. Adults who can diagnose adhd adults have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication this way. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive.

What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant 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 suitable for you.

If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain why. You may not have provided enough information about your struggles, or they may believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints procedure.

Whether you go private or access NHS services waiting times for an assessment 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 individuals who are involved.

GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to look at alternatives.

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 at birth, or has other health or social issues that affect how adhd diagnosed medical professionals view their symptoms.

If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to offer support and treatment for your issues. Contact us or make an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help.

What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?

You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. The NHS offers an Adult Diagnosis For Adhd ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to choose route which is quicker.

Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician determine the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The doctor will take into account your previous experiences and family history. It is important that you provide accurate and truthful responses.

If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects when taken improperly.

If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate diagnostic tests. We are reticent to say that this does not happen, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.