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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 according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. But is it really working? Why do I need an individual diagnosis? If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the best treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you both time and money in the end. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many people believe that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be. In the light of these challenges it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and telling patients they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't. A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and return to the doctor. The tests are designed to see if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis. diagnosed with adhd will then assess your medical background and family history, as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will submit documents to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if required. What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis? If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Many adults can't wait that long and seek out private specialists to evaluate their condition. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history and medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may 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 symptom within a period of six months that are serious enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also check whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also assess your social and work background to rule out issues like financial hardship or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse. During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication in this way. However, GPs have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and also because it is expensive. What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis? It is important to remember that your doctor should be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate for you. If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain the reason. You may have not given enough details about your difficulties, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints process. Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS care the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy and it's important to consider that your doctor may find the process difficult. The NHS is overstretched and it's not the fault of the individuals affected. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC. The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put patients in danger. This is a national scourge and a compelling reason to look at alternative options. It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive an assessment. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social and health circumstances that can influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit. If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your problems. You can request an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss how we might be able to assist. What happens If you don't want me take my medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to use medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without the need for medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England, or through the 'Right To Choose' pathway which is a lot quicker. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated assessments. 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 take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential to give accurate and honest answers. If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the consequences of taking any medication before making an informed decision. 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. When you choose to take medication, the doctor will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it could be recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate diagnostic tests. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an actual science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.