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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 drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.

Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?

Why do I require a private diagnostic?

If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can evaluate your health and provide the appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.

There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk feel that the NHS assessment services are not as good as they could be.

It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and telling patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.

A private assessment usually begins with a series of screening questions, which you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results can be used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then conduct a thorough examination of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.

After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy when needed.

What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?

If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Many adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their evaluation. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.





A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also employ standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may want to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.

When evaluating adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs within a period of six months that are serious enough to interfere with work or home life. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their decision.

If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's costly.

What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

It's worth remembering that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause major problems 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 physician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. It could be that you haven't provided enough information about your struggles or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with this decision then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.

It's important to consider that your doctor might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the individuals involved.

GPs are trying to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a solid, fair and safe service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.

Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which can put people in danger. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to consider other options.

It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other health and social circumstances that can influence how medical professionals view their symptoms.

We can help you if find your life negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us today or request an appointment online to find out how we can help.

What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication?

You can receive a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not need to take any medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England, or through the 'Right To Choose' pathway which is quicker.

Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and some validated tests. This will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is essential that you give accurate and truthful responses.

If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner.

If you decide to use 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 the symptoms and how long you've been suffering from these symptoms for. It is essential to remember that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, 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 as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as an actual science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting time, it could make sense to pay for an assessment.