ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed strong medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But is it effective?

Why do I require a private diagnosis?

If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a specialist who can assess your health and provide the appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.

There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those suffering. Many believe that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.

It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and told patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality they didn't.

A private assessment will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires you are asked to complete and return to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results aid the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule a diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then conduct an in-depth examination of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan.

After you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a form for a'shared-care agreement'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, if necessary.

What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?

A clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long and look for private doctors to evaluate their health. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can give more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This could include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They might also utilize standardized ADHD rating scales and might want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too.

When evaluating adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as drug and alcohol misuse.

During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.

Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication this way. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and because it's costly.

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

Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.

If your physician finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It could be because you did not provide enough information about your struggles or they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome, you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints procedure.

It is important to be aware that your physician might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the people involved.

GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they offer a robust and safe, fair and fair service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.

The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put people in danger. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to think about alternative options.

It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as read more ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is particularly true if they are ethnically minorities or were born female or have other social or health situations that could affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

We can help if you find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and can provide support and treatment for your issues. Contact us or request an appointment online to learn how we can assist you.

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

You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not want to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or by the 'Right to Choose route which is more efficient.

Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your clinician know how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The doctor will take into account your past experiences and family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers.

If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an diagnosis. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. The effects of medication are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.

The doctor will issue you an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to take out a private assessment.