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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people are forced to pay for a private examination. But does it actually work? Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor? If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can assess your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save both time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be. In the face of these challenges it's not surprising that more adults are opting to seek a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not. A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis. The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will submit paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be needed. What happens if I don't have an answer to my question? A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private specialists to determine their situation. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to note that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD rating scales and might want to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too. When evaluating adhd diagnosis uk adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to disrupt the demands of work or at home. They will also check whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your work and social life history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties or an abuse history, and alcohol or drug misuse. During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion. Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medications in this manner. 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? It's worth remembering that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you. If your physician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. It may be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your struggles or they believe that a different condition can explain your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or go through the NHS complaints procedure. It's important to consider that your physician might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the individuals who are involved. GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC. Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which can put people in danger. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to think about alternative options. It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to be given a diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth or has other social and health issues which can affect how medical professionals view their symptoms. If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your issues. Contact us today or make an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help. What happens If you don't want me to take my medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to send 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 online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will help your physician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will take into account your previous experiences and family history. It is essential that you give accurate and truthful responses. If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not taken properly. If you decide to use medication, your doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for. It is also important to be aware of 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 that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We're not sure that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS wait times, then it is possible to take out a private assessment.