A Look Inside The Secrets Of Diagnosis ADHD ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

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


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

Why do I require a private diagnosis?

If you or someone you love has ADHD, you should seek out a professional who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the end.

There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those suffering. Many believe that the NHS assessment services are not as good as they could be.

It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics ran tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they weren't.

A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis.

The clinician will then conduct a thorough examination of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also perform a physical exam and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will send documentation to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.

What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?

A clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their assessment. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This can include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history and social and medical history and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.

When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms over six months that are serious enough to interfere with work or home life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also evaluate your social and professional history to rule out issues such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse.

During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision.

Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication this way. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the disorder and because it is expensive.

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

It's worth remembering that your doctor should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.

If your doctor determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. You may not have given enough details about your issues or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with this decision you may seek another opinion from a different clinician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

It is important to remember that your physician may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the people involved.

GPs are trying to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). 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 shared care prescribing.

Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use shortcut diagnostic methods, which could put patients at risk. This is a national scourge, and a very real reason to look at alternative options.

It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to be given an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has other social and health issues that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.

We can help you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us or request an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help.

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

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to use medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to choose' pathway which is faster.

Your appointment will include a validated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. The doctor will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is important that you give accurate and truthful responses.

If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. The effects of medication are long-term, and can have serious side effects when taken improperly.

If you decide to take medication, the psychiatrist will give you an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it could be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is important to also be aware of other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed because of insufficient clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this does not happen because we are inexact and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it may be beneficial to pay for an assessment.