ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private adhd diagnosis clinics and prescribed strong drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, Local and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?

Why do I need a private diagnostic?

If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should consult a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.

There are some concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for local those affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.

In the face of these problems it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to seek a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they weren't.

A private examination will typically begin with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to complete and return to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.

The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history, as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.

After you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will submit paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, if necessary.

What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?

In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults can't endure this long and go to private specialists for their assessment. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales, and may request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.

When assessing adult diagnosis of adhd ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your work and social life background to rule out issues such as financial hardship, an abuse history, and drug or alcohol misuse.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.

Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medications in this manner. However, doctors have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the condition and also because it is expensive.

What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you.

If your doctor finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will explain the reasons why. You may have not provided enough information about your issues or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure.

It's important to consider that your clinician may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the patients involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit.

GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to look at alternatives.

It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to be given a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of a minority ethnic background or born female or have other health and social situations that could affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.

We can help if you find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide support and treatment for your problems. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a an email to find out how we might be able to help.

What happens if I don't want to take medication?

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without taking medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or by the 'Right to choose' pathway which is more efficient.

Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily activities. The doctor will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful answers.

If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision it is essential to consider the pros and cons of taking the medication. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can be dangerous when taken improperly.

The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the length of time you have been suffering from them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked controversy, particularly because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an academic discipline. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be beneficial to pay for an assessment.