ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.

Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work?

Why do I need an individual diagnostic?

If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD You should consult a specialist who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those affected. Many people also feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as effective as they could be.

It's not a surprise, then, that more adults choose to have a private assessment. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they had ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.

A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The tests are designed to see if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.

The doctor will then review your medical background and family history, as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.

What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?

A good diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive 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 providers for their assessment. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.

A specialist with 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. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They may also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and may want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too.

When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to affect 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 assess your work and social life history to rule out any issues such as financial hardship, the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse.

During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their decision.

If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, doctors have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the condition and also because it's expensive.

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

It's worth remembering that your doctor should be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.

If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain why. You may have not provided enough information about your difficulties or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with the outcome then you can seek an additional opinion from a different physician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

No matter if you opt for private or take advantage of NHS healthcare waiting times for an appointment can be long and it's worth considering that your clinician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not 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 make sure they offer a robust, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to consider other options.

It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive an assessment. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other health and social circumstances that can affect how to get adult adhd diagnosis medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.

If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. You can make an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss what we can do to help.

What happens if I don't want to take a medication?

You can be diagnosed when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. The NHS offers an adult free adhd diagnosis uk assessment service and 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 option which is a lot quicker.

Your appointment will comprise getting an adhd diagnosis uk assessment that is validated, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to determine how to diagnosis adhd in adults you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is crucial that you give honest and truthful information.

If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision, it is it worth Getting An adhd Diagnosis important to consider the pros and cons of taking the medication. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner.

The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as an academic discipline. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be beneficial to pay for an assessment.