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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 powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to. Many people are required to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really working? What is the reason I need a private diagnosis? If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should seek out a professional who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS, an individual diagnosis can 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 the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be. It's not surprising, then that more people choose to have a private assessment. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't. A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment. The physician will then conduct an in-depth examination of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will forward documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is needed. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an evaluation. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to note that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist on the NHS. diagnosing adhd could include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing or vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD rating scales and might want to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too. When evaluating adults with ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their decision. People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication this way. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't specialize in the condition or because it's costly. What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis? Remember that your clinician must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other 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 explain the reason. You may have not provided enough information about your issues or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints process. Whether you go private or access NHS care, the wait time for an assessment can be long and it's worth pondering the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the individuals affected. GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must make sure they provide a reliable and safe, fair and fair service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing. The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a valid reason to think about alternatives. It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other social or health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have. We can help you if think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your concerns. Contact us or make an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help. What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication? You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or by the 'Right to choose route which is a lot faster. Your appointment will include an assessment that is validated as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is crucial to provide truthful and accurate answers. If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. The effects of medications are long-term, and can have serious side effects when taken improperly. If you decide to use medication, the psychiatrist will give you the prescription and plan. You may be given ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've experienced them. It is essential to be aware of other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen because we are inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to pay for an individual assessment.