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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers contacted. Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work? Why do I require a private diagnosis? If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should consult a specialist who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Many think that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be. In the light of these problems it's not surprising that more people are opting to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't. A private assessment will typically start with a series of screening questions that you are asked to complete and return to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule a diagnostic appointment. The clinician will then conduct a detailed assessment of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. After you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, if necessary. What happens if I don't receive an appointment? A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their evaluation. This can save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis. A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. adults diagnosed with adhd ADHD Diagnosis could include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing or vision. It will also include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales of rating and may also ask your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you. When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in the family or work environment. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction. During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their decision. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication in this way. However, doctors have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and also because it's costly. What happens If I don't like my diagnosis? Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you. If your clinician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. It could be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough details about your issues or they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with this choice then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure. It is important to remember that your doctor may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. This isn't because of the individuals involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit. GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they provide a reliable, fair and safe service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing. Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which can put patients in danger. This is a national catastrophe and an excellent reason to look at alternatives. It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth or has any other health and social circumstances that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms. We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us today or make an appointment online to find out 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 do not wish to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without taking medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England, or through the 'Right to Choose' pathway, which is much quicker. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic 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 affect your daily routine. The clinician will consider your past experiences and family history. It is essential that you give truthful and accurate information. If a doctor determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could be harmful if taken in a proper manner. The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it could be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen because we are inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and you are being frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to pay for an assessment with a private practitioner.