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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 prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers spoke to. Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work? What is the reason I need a private diagnosis? If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those suffering. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be. In light of these issues it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to seek an assessment by a private doctor. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they were not. A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questions that you are asked to complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then conduct a detailed review of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'shared care agreement'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is necessary. What happens if I don't get an appointment? If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long and seek out private providers to assess their health. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a medical exam and tests like hearing or vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They may also use standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may need to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too. When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more signs within a period of six months that are severe enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also evaluate your social and professional history to rule out issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse. During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. However, doctors have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and also because it is expensive. What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis? It's worth remembering that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. adhd adult diagnosis 'll know that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you. If your doctor determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they provide the reasons for this. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your issues, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with this choice then you can seek an additional opinion from a different doctor or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure. It's important to consider that your clinician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. This isn't because of the people involved, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits. GPs also struggle to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, and also meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC. The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national scandal and a compelling reason to think about alternatives. It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to be given an assessment. This is especially true if the person is of a minority ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has other social and health issues that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms. We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and can provide support and treatment for your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a call to see how we might be able to assist. What happens if I don't want to take a medication? You can receive a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose” route, which is more efficient. Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your clinician determine how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful responses. If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. The effects of medication are long-term, and can be dangerous when taken improperly. When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. However, it's important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry rarely is a science. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, it can make sense to get a private assessment.