ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs following unreliable video assessments in private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But does it actually work?

Why do I need an individual diagnosis?

If you or someone you know has ADHD You should find a doctor who can accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS but a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you both time and money in the end.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.

In light of these issues, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to go for an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover program 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 assessment will typically begin with a set of screening questions that you are asked to complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.

The clinician will then conduct an in-depth examination of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will forward paperwork to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.

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

In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their assessment. This could save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis.

A professional who has experience diagnosing undiagnosed adhd in adults can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination and tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person who can diagnose add in adults is conducting the test will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They may also employ standard ADHD rating scales and might want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.

When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to affect work or family life. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also evaluate your professional and social history to rule out issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse.

During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.

People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person to share management via the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the disorder and because it's expensive.

What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.

If your doctor finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. You may not have given enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure.

It is important to be aware that your physician may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the people who are involved.

GPs are trying to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed 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 think about alternatives.

It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to be given a diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth, or has other health or social issues which can affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.

If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your issues. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a phone to discuss how to get adhd diagnosis we might be able to assist you.

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

If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to get diagnosed with adhd a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.

Your appointment will comprise a validated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician understand the way these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful answers.

If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of adhd in adults diagnostic criteria, they can give you an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.

The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for. It is also important to remember that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, particularly because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient evaluations of clinical conditions. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen because we are inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.