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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.

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

What is the reason I need a private diagnosis?

If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a doctor who can assess your condition and provide the necessary treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.

There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.

In the light of these challenges it's not a surprise that more people are opting to go for an assessment by a private doctor. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and told patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality, they did not.

A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.

The clinician will then conduct an in-depth examination of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also carry out 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.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will submit documents 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 needed.

What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?

In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private providers for their evaluation. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a medical examination and tests like hearing or vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history and medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They might also use standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to request your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.

When assessing 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 work or home life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your work and social life history to rule out problems such as financial hardship, an abuse history, and drug or alcohol misuse.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision.

People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication this way. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's costly.

What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your therapist must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.

If your physician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. It could be that you haven't provided enough information about your struggles or they might believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with this decision you may seek an additional opinion from a different clinician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

No matter if you opt for private or use NHS services the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the people involved.

GPs are also struggling to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must make sure they provide a reliable, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.

The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national scandal and a compelling reason to look at alternative options.

It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other social or health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your concerns. Contact us today or make an appointment online to find out what we can do to help.

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

You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right to Choose' pathway which is quicker.

Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinical interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your clinician determine the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will take into account your past experiences and family history. It is essential to provide truthful and accurate answers.

If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to consider the pros and cons of taking the medication. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could be harmful if taken in a proper manner.

If you decide to use medication, the psychiatrist 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 recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, particularly because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as an academic discipline. If adhddiagnosis from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.