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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 at private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred following tips received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers spoke to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But does it actually work? Why do I need an individual diagnostic? If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can evaluate your health and provide the necessary treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Many think that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be. It's not surprising, then, that more adults 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 programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they were not. A private assessment will typically start with a series of screening questions that you must fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis. The doctor will then conduct a detailed examination of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. After you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will send documents to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy if required. What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis? A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Many adults can't wait that long and look for private doctors to evaluate their situation. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing or vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD rating scales and may want to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too. When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in the family or work environment. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also evaluate your social and professional history to rule out problems such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse. During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion. People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly. What happens If adhd diagnosis uk adults don't like my diagnosis? It's worth remembering that your doctor should be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you. If your clinician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. It may be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough details about your difficulties or because they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with this decision, you can ask for an alternative opinion from a different doctor or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure. It is important to remember that your physician may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and it's not the fault of the individuals affected. GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as 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 sharing care prescribing. The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and an excellent reason to think about alternatives. It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other health and social circumstances that affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present. We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. Contact us or make an appointment online to learn how we can assist you. What happens If you don't wish me to take my medication? You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not need to take any medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to send you to one of the centers for specialists in England or follow the “Right to Choose” pathway which is faster. Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your clinician determine how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers. If the doctor decides 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 if would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if used in a safe manner. If you decide to take medication, the doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is important to also remember that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed because of insufficient clinical assessments. We're not sure that this does not happen because we are inexact and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being frustrated by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment with a private practitioner.