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

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private exam. But does it work?

Why do I require an individual diagnostic?

If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can evaluate your health and provide the proper treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.

It's not surprising, then that more people choose to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone, and were telling patients that they had ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.

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

The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam 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 documents to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. Iam Psychiatry can also consult your personal doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, if needed.

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

A good diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Some adults are unable to wait that long to look for private doctors to evaluate their health. This can 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 will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They could also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and might want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.

When evaluating adults with ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more signs within a period of six months that are severe enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your social and professional history to rule out problems such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as alcohol and drug abuse.

During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.

People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.

What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

It's worth remembering that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest other treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you.





If your physician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will explain the reasons why. It may be because you did not provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe that another condition is responsible for your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome you may seek an alternative opinion from a different doctor or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

No matter if you opt for private or take advantage of NHS care 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 people affected.

GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.

The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to look at alternatives.

It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social or health circumstances that affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.

If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your difficulties. You can call us or request an appointment online to discuss how we can help.

What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without the need for medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to recommend you to one of the centers for specialists in England or go through the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.

Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of some validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is essential to provide honest and truthful information.

If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. The effects of medications are long-lasting, and may cause serious adverse effects if taken incorrectly.

The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it's important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy in particular because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely is a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be beneficial to pay for an assessment.