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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs following unreliable video assessments in private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted. Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it work? Why do I need a private diagnostic? If you or someone you love has ADHD, you should seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you time and money in the end. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as effective as they could be. In the light of these issues it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to seek an assessment by a private doctor. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone, and were 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 which you'll be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule a diagnostic appointment. The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history, as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The clinician will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if required. What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis? A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Some adults cannot wait that long and look for private doctors to evaluate their health. This can save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a medical exam and tests like hearing or vision. This could include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family history and your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They might also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and may be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too. When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out problems such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drug and alcohol misuse. During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision. Individuals who have a private 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 as ADHD can get medications in this manner. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the disorder and because it is expensive. What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis? Remember that your doctor must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you. If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain the reason. You may not have provided enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with this decision you may seek an alternative opinion from a different physician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure. If you choose to go private or take advantage of NHS healthcare waiting times for an assessment can be lengthy, and it's worth pondering that your clinician might find the process frustrating. This is not because of the individuals affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limits. GPs also have to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they provide a reliable, fair and safe service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing. The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics use techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to think about other options. It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is a member of a minority group or was a female when they were born. birth or has other health and social circumstances which can affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to address your issues. You can call us or make an appointment online to learn how we can help. What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right to Choose option which is faster. Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and certain validated assessments. This will help your clinician determine how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. 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 all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with an assessment. adhd diagnosis uk adults will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the implications of taking any medication before making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and be harmful if taken in a proper manner. When you choose to take medication, the doctor will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is essential to remember that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry rarely is a science. However, if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms and you are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, it can make sense to take out a private assessment.