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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really working?

Why do I need a private diagnostic?

If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should seek out a professional who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.

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

In the face of these challenges it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to seek a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the telephone and told patients they were ADHD when they weren't.

A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to see if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results will assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a request for a'shared-care agreement'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if needed.

What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?

In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and painful. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private professionals for an assessment. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history and your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales of rating, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.

When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they think that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.

Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication in this way. However, GPs have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and because it's expensive.

What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?

It's worth remembering that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.

If your clinician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. It may be because you did not provide enough information about your issues or they believe that a different condition can explain your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints process.

It's important to consider that your doctor may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the people involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS services are stretched to its limits.

GPs also struggle to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they provide a solid and safe, fair and fair service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.

The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a real reason to consider alternative options.

It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth or has any other health or social issues that can influence how medical professionals view their symptoms.

If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to address your concerns. You can call us or request an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you.

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

If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without taking medication. adhd in adults undiagnosed offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right To Choose route which is more efficient.

Your appointment will include an assessment that is validated, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician understand the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is important that you provide accurate and truthful responses.





If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could be harmful if used in a safe manner.

If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. It is important to also be aware of other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could make sense to pay for an assessment.