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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But is it really working? Why do I require an individual diagnosis? If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can accurately assess your health and provide the appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you both time and money in the end. There are some concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. Furthermore, a lot of people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be. In the light of these problems, it's not surprising that more people are opting to seek an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they weren't. A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results will assist the doctor to decide whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis. The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is required. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and look for private doctors to determine their situation. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis. A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This may include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family background and your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD rating scales and request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you. When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your social and work history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug misuse. During your NHS assessment 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 also explain why they think you are not and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication in this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive. What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis? Remember that your therapist must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you. If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It could be due to your inability to provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe another condition explains your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure. Whether you go private or access NHS care the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy and it's important to consider that your doctor may find the process difficult. This is not because of the individuals affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to its limits. GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must make sure they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to consider alternative options. It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are ethnically minorities or were born female or have other social or health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have. If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us or make an appointment online to learn how we can help. What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication? You can receive a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right to Choose route which is a lot more efficient. Your appointment will comprise a validated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The doctor will take into consideration your past experiences and your family history. It is crucial to provide honest and truthful information. 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 give you a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may have serious side effects if taken incorrectly. If you decide to take medication, your doctor will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it might be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. diagnose adhd is also important to remember that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely is a science. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to get a private assessment.