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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed strong medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted after 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 exam. But is it effective? Why do I require a private diagnostic? If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more precise and can save time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those suffering. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be. In light of these issues it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone, and were telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't. 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 to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results aid the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose. The physician will then conduct a thorough examination of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also perform a physical exam and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan. Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a'shared-care agreement'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. Read the Full Report can also consult your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is needed. What happens if I don't have a diagnosis? In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and difficult. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private specialists to determine their condition. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family background and your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales and request your teachers or caregivers to rate you. When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your professional and social history to rule out issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform 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 conclusion. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide 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 with ADHD can access medication in this way. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and also because it is expensive. What do I do if I don't agree 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 cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you. If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It may be because you did not provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe another condition explains your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the decision you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints procedure. It's important to consider that your clinician may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. This isn't because of the patients affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limits. GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national scandal and a compelling reason to think about alternatives. It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other social and health situations that could influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present. If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your concerns. You can schedule an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss how we might be able to help. What happens If you don't want me take my medication? If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without a prescription. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to choose route, which is much faster. Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is important that you provide accurate and truthful responses. If the clinician finds 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 whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can have serious side effects if taken incorrectly. If you decide to use medication, the psychiatrist will give you a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to take out a private assessment.