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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 tests at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective? Why do I need a private diagnosis? If you or someone you love has ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be. In light of these challenges, 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 private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they were not. A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questions that you must complete and return to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then conduct a detailed examination of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan. Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private clinician to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is necessary. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long and seek out private providers to evaluate their condition. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. This will include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD scales for rating and ask your caregivers or teachers to give you a score. When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in work or family life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your social and work background to rule out issues like financial hardship, the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their decision. People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication in this way. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and also because it's expensive. What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis? It's worth remembering that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you. If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain why. You may have not provided enough details about your issues or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with this choice then you can seek an additional opinion from a different physician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure. It's important to consider that your clinician may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. This isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limit. GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the requirements of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC. The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to think about alternative options. 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 born female or have other social and health circumstances that influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit. If get an adhd diagnosis are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your concerns. You can make an appointment online or give us a call to see what we can do to assist. What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication? If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the “Right to Choose” pathway which is faster. Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician know the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial that you give honest and truthful information. If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD They can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before you make a decision it is crucial to consider the pros and cons of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not taken properly. If you decide to take medication, the doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We're not sure that this does not happen, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and are being frustrated by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment with a private practitioner.