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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 prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to. Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it effective? Why do I need an individual diagnostic? If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a professional who can accurately assess your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS, private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those suffering. Many feel that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be. It's not surprising, then, that more adults choose to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD when they were not. A private assessment usually starts with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not to attend an entire diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then conduct a thorough assessment of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send paperwork to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying 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 clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This could save you time and frustration, 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 give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD rating scales, and may request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you. When evaluating adults with ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your work and social history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug misuse. During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their conclusion. People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive. What if I disagree with my diagnosis? It's worth remembering that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand 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 treatment options that are more appropriate for you. If your physician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. It could be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your issues or they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the outcome you may seek another opinion from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure. Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS healthcare the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy and it's worth pondering that your clinician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the individuals involved. GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC. Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and an excellent reason to think about alternatives. It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to be given the diagnosis. adhd diagnosis in adults is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other social or health circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present. We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your concerns. Contact us or request an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you. What happens if you don't want me take my medication? You can get a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right to Choose' pathway which is a lot faster. Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily activities. The doctor will take into consideration your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to provide truthful and accurate answers. If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you an assessment. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. The effects of medication last for a long time, and they can be dangerous in the event of a misjudgment. The doctor will issue you an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is important to also remember that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this doesn't happen because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS wait times, it is possible to get an assessment with a private practitioner.