The Benefits Of Diagnosis ADHD At Least Once In Your Lifetime ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

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


Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it effective?

Why do I need a private diagnostic?

If you or someone you love has ADHD, you should find a doctor 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 efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.

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 to get an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.

In light of these challenges it's not a surprise that more people are opting to undergo a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they weren't.

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

The physician will then conduct an in-depth review of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.

What happens if I don't receive an appointment?

A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private providers for their evaluation. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history and your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. diagnosing adhd adults could also employ standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too.

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 serious enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also review your social and work background to rule out issues like financial hardship, the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse.

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

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

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

Remember that your therapist must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you.

If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain why. You may not have provided enough information about your difficulties, or they may believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the diagnosis you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints process.

If you choose to go private or use NHS services, the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy, and it's important to consider that your clinician may find the process difficult. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the people involved.

GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure they provide a reliable and safe, fair and fair service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to look at alternatives.

It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth or has other health or social issues that can influence the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.

If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your concerns. You can call us or request an appointment online to find out how we can help.

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

You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England or by the 'Right To Choose' pathway, which is much more efficient.

Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to determine how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate information.

If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with an diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is essential to consider the implications of taking any medication before making a decision. The effects of medication are long-term, and can be dangerous if taken incorrectly.

When you choose to take medication, your doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it might be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is important to also remember that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate diagnostic tests. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could make sense to pay for an assessment.