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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place following tips received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people are forced to pay for a private examination. But does it work? Why do I need an individual diagnosis? If you or someone you love has ADHD You should find a doctor who will accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Many believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as effective as they could be. In the face of these problems it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to seek an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they were not. A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening which you'll be asked to complete 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 help the clinician decide whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis. The clinician will then conduct a detailed review of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan. Once adhd diagnosis uk adults have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with a request for a'shared-care agreement'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if needed. What happens if I do not get an appointment? A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and frustrating. Some adults are unable to wait that long and look for private doctors to assess their condition. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This could include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family background and social and medical history and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD scales of rating, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to give you a score. When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your social and work history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties or the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse. During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive. What happens If I don't like my diagnosis? Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy 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 the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will explain the reasons why. It may be due to your inability to give enough detail about your difficulties or because they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis, you can seek another opinion from another clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure. No matter if you opt for private or take advantage of NHS care, the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy and it's worth pondering that your doctor might find the process frustrating. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the individuals involved. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing. The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which can put patients in danger. 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 as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has any other health and social circumstances which can affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to offer support and treatment for your problems. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out what we can do to help. What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without taking medication. The NHS provides 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 by the 'Right to Choose route which is a lot quicker. Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your clinician determine how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you provide honest and truthful information. If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. The effects of medications are long-term, and can be dangerous if taken incorrectly. If you decide to use medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've experienced them. It is essential to remember that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to get an assessment with a private practitioner.