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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective? Why do I require a private diagnostic? If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money. There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for months or even weeks for an appointment. adhd diagnosis uk adults can be very difficult for those affected. Additionally, many believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be. It's not a surprise, then that more adults opt to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and told patients they were ADHD when they weren't. A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis. The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history, as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will submit paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if required. What happens if I don't have a diagnosis? In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their assessment. This can save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis. A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This may include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing or vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD scales for rating, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you. When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom over six months that are severe enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also consider 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 evaluate your professional and social background to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as alcohol and drug abuse. During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision. If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive. What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis? It is important to remember that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you. If your doctor decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they provide the reasons for this. You may not have provided enough information about your difficulties, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with this choice, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different doctor or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure. No matter if you opt for private or take advantage of NHS healthcare the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy, and it's important to consider that your doctor may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched too thin and this isn't the fault of the individuals involved. GPs also struggle to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the standards of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC. The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics employ techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and could put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a valid reason to think about alternatives. It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has other social and health issues that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms. If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your problems. You can request an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss how we might be able to assist. What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right to Choose route which is a lot more efficient. Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your clinician understand how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The doctor will take into consideration your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential that you give truthful and accurate information. If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be able to provide you with a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may be dangerous in the event of a misjudgment. The psychiatrist will give you the prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is essential to remember that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed due to inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We're not sure that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment with a private practitioner.