ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted.

Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really working?

Why do I require an individual diagnostic?

If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should seek out a professional who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe best treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can 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 are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.

In light of these problems it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to seek an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and telling patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.

A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis.

The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.

After you've 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 enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if needed.

What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?

A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private specialists to evaluate their condition. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history, as well as medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They might also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and HomePage may want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.

When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your social and work history to rule out problems such as financial hardship or an abuse history, and alcohol or drug abuse.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision.

If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication in this way. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.

What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?

It's worth remembering that your doctor must be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.

If your physician determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. It could be that you haven't given enough details about your struggles, or they may believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints process.

If you choose to go private or access NHS healthcare the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy, and it's worth pondering the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. This isn't because of the people involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.

GPs are trying to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must make sure they provide a solid, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to consider alternatives.

It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is a member of a minority group or was a female at birth or has any other health or social issues that can influence the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.

We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your concerns. You can call us or request an appointment online to find out what we can do to help.

What happens if I don't want to take a medication?

You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't need to take any medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can i get Adhd diagnosis online request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to choose route which is a lot more efficient.

Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful responses.

If the clinician determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if used in a safe manner.

The psychiatrist will give you the prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, as well as the length of time you have been suffering from them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an academic discipline. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being diagnosed with adhd in adulthood frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to get a private assessment.