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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really working? Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor? If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can assess your health and provide the proper treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Many people feel that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be. It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the telephone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they weren't. A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis. The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body 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 doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is needed. What happens if I do not get an appointment? In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private providers for their evaluation. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis. A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can offer more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This can include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history and your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and may need to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too. When evaluating adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom over six months that are serious enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also look to determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your professional and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drug and alcohol misuse. During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision. People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication in this way. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive. What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis? Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you. If adhd diagnosing ADHD Diagnosis decides you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain why. It may be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your difficulties or because they believe another condition explains your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with this decision then you can seek an additional opinion from a different physician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure. No matter if you opt for private or access NHS services waiting times for an assessment could be lengthy, and it's worth pondering that your clinician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched too thin and this isn't the fault of the people who are involved. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to consider other options. It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities or born female or have other social and health circumstances that influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit. If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your issues. Contact us or make an appointment online to learn how we can help. What happens if I don't want to take a medication? If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to choose route which is a lot more efficient. Your appointment will include a validated assessment 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 the effect they affect your daily routine. The doctor will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is essential to provide truthful and accurate answers. If a doctor determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision, it is important to consider the pros and cons of taking any medication. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects if taken incorrectly. The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. 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, in particular because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient clinical assessments. We're not sure that this does not happen since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.