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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 tests at private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred following tips received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers were interviewed. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. But is it effective? Why do I need a private diagnosis? If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should seek out a professional who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those suffering. Additionally, many think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be. It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to get a private evaluation. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact they didn't. A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment for diagnosis. The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. After you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will submit documentation to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required. What happens if I don't get an appointment? A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a huge 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 this long and turn to private specialists for their assessment. This could save time and stress, but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis. A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This could include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. It will also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD scales for rating and ask your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you. When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also check whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your social and work history to rule out any issues such as financial hardship or a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse. During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision. People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management under the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the disorder and because it is expensive. What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis? It's worth remembering that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If diagnosis for adhd in adults disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you. If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain why. You may not have provided enough information about your difficulties or they might believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints process. It's important to consider that your clinician may find the assessment process difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the people affected. GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must make sure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing. The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to consider other options. It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to be given an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth or has any other health or social issues that can influence the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to address your issues. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a an email to find out how we might be able to assist you. What happens If you don't want me to take my medication? If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use 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 GP to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the “Right to Choose” route, which is more efficient. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to understand the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers. If a doctor determines that you meet 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 are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. The effects of medication last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects when taken improperly. The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it is also important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate in particular because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We're not sure that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.