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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted.

Many people are required to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it work?

Why do I need a private diagnosis?

If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can accurately assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money.

There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those affected. Many feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.

In the light of these challenges it's not surprising that more adults are opting to undergo a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.

A private examination will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you must complete and return to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results are used to help the clinician decide whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.

The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history, as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will send documents to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy when required.

What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?





A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family background and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales for rating, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to rate you.

When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also evaluate your social and professional history to rule out issues such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.

If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.

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

Remember that your doctor must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.

If your clinician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. It could be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your struggles or they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome, you can ask for another opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

Whether you go private or access NHS services, the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy, and it's important to consider that your clinician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched too thin and this isn't the fault of the individuals involved.

GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the requirements of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to look at alternatives.

It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other health and social situations that could affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.

If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. adhddiagnosis.top are experienced in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your difficulties. Contact us today or request an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you.

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

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without taking medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right To Choose' pathway which is a lot faster.

Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinical interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will consider your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful responses.

If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medication. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if used in a safe manner.

If you decide to use medication, your doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long 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, including exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy in particular because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed because of insufficient clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might be a good idea to pay for an assessment.