ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective?

Why do I require an individual diagnostic?

If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.

There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Many think that the NHS assessment services aren't as effective as they could be.

It's not a surprise, then that more people choose to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality they didn't.

A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.

The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy if necessary.

What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?

If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long to seek out private providers to assess their condition. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a physical exam and tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales for rating, and may ask your caregivers or teachers to rate you.

When evaluating adults with ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom over six months that are serious enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also look to determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your work and social background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.

People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information 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 medication this way. However, doctors have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and also because it is expensive.

What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other treatment options that are more suitable for you.

If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain the reason. You may have not provided enough details about your issues or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the outcome you may seek an alternative opinion from a different doctor or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

It's important to consider that your doctor might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. This isn't because of the individuals involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS services are stretched to the limits.

GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must make sure they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose exposed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national scourge and a compelling reason to look at alternative options.

It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other social or health situations that could affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

We can help if you find your life negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to help you overcome your concerns. Contact us or request an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help.

What happens when you don't want me to take my medication?

You can get a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or website go through the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.

Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and certain validated assessments. This will help your physician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to provide truthful and accurate information.

If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication prior to making a decision. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner.

If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it is also important to remember 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 misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate diagnostic tests. We hesitate to claim that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely is an actual science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be beneficial to pay for an assessment.