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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.

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

Why do I need a private diagnosis?

If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a doctor who can assess your condition and provide the necessary treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run.

There are some concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those affected. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it 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 provided by private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they were not.

A private assessment usually starts 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 whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.

The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history, as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline 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 will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy if needed.

What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?

In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an assessment. This can help save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical examination as well as tests like hearing and vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history, as well as medical and social history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD scales for rating and request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.

When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse.

During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell 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 choose to share the diagnosis for adhd in adults with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication this way. However, GPs have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the disorder and because it is expensive.

What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?

It is important to remember that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.

If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain why. It may be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your issues or they believe another condition explains your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the diagnosis, you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints process.

It is important to be aware that your physician might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. This is not because of the patients involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS services are stretched to its limits.

GPs are also struggling to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must be sure they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.

The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics use techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to look at alternatives.

It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are ethnically minorities or born female or have other social or health situations that could influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

We can help if you think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. You can call us or request an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help.

What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it's possible to get a diagnosis without taking medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or via the 'Right to Choose route, diagnosis which is much faster.

Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is essential to provide honest and truthful information.

If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will also 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 be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not taken properly.

The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the length of time you have been experiencing them, it could be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is important to also keep in mind that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy in particular because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, it is possible to take out a private assessment.