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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers contacted. Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective? What is the reason I need an individual diagnosis? If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money. There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be. It's not surprising, therefore, that more adults choose to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and telling patients that they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't. A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose. The clinician will then conduct a detailed assessment of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive test. 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 write to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy if necessary. What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment? In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long and seek out private providers to evaluate their health. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical examination and tests like hearing and vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family history, as well as social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also utilize the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too. When evaluating adhd diagnose with ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptom within a period of six months that are severe enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also review your professional and social history to rule out problems like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as drug and alcohol misuse. During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied 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. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that 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 therapist must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you. If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain why. It could be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your difficulties or because they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the outcome, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different doctor or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure. It is important to remember that your doctor may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the individuals affected. GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a solid and safe, fair and fair service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to look at alternatives. It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities or born female or have other health and social circumstances that influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present. We can help if you find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a call to see how we might be able to help. What happens if I don't want to take medication? You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't need to take any medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or by the 'Right to choose option which is a lot faster. Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The doctor will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers. If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an assessment. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and be harmful if taken in a proper manner. The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS wait times, it can make sense to get a private assessment.