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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But is it really working? Why do I need a private diagnosis? If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you time and money in the long run. There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, and this could cause a lot of distress for those affected. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be. It's not surprising, then, that more adults choose to have a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact, they did not. A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment. The clinician will then conduct a detailed assessment of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. iampsychiatry.uk will also perform physical examinations and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program. If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will send documents to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is necessary. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their assessment. This can save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can give more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This can include a physical examination and tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family history, as well as social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They may also employ the standard ADHD rating scales and may need to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too. When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to affect work or family life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also assess your work and social life history to rule out problems like financial hardship, the history of abuse and alcohol or drug abuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you are able to request a new assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision. If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the disorder and because it's expensive. What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis? Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged 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 treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you. If your doctor determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they provide the reasons for this. It could be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints process. It is important to remember that your clinician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the individuals involved. GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC. Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to consider alternative options. It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to be given an assessment. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social or health circumstances that can influence how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have. If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. You can request an appointment via our website or give us call to see 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 want to use medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without taking medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England, or through the 'Right to Choose route which is a lot faster. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your clinician understand the way these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your past experiences and your family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers. If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects when taken improperly. If you decide to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it might be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is essential to be aware of other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We are reticent to say that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.