ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But is it really working?

Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?

If you think you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can assess your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.

There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those suffering. Many believe that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.

It's not a surprise, then that more people choose to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and told patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.

A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results of these tests help the doctor determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose.

The physician will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also perform a physical exam and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program.

After you've been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy if required.

What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis for adhd in adults?

A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private specialists to assess their health. This could save time and stress, but it's important to understand that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD scales of rating, and may ask your caregivers or teachers to give you a score.

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 check whether these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also evaluate your professional and social background to rule out problems like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.

During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision.

Individuals who have a private diagnosis increase of adhd diagnosis ADHD may decide to discuss 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 get access to medication. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and also because it's costly.

What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?

It is important to remember that your doctor should be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.

If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will then explain why. You may not have provided enough information about your struggles or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the diagnosis, you can seek another opinion from another clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure.

If you choose to go private or take advantage of NHS services, the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. This isn't due to the patients affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limits.

GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.

The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to consider alternative options.

It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other social or health circumstances that can influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.

If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being diagnosed with adhd as an adult negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. Contact us or request an appointment online to learn what we can do to help.

What happens If you don't want me take my medication?

If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without the need for medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right To Choose' pathway, which is much quicker.

Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your clinician understand how to get diagnosed add these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers.

If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for adult adhd criteria for ADHD the doctor will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.

If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You could be given ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are other options to help manage cheap adhd diagnosis uk symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.