ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private examination. But does it work?

Why do I need an individual diagnosis?

If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a professional who can evaluate your health and provide the necessary treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS, a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you both 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. In the end, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.

It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to undergo a private examination. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they weren't.

A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires you will be asked to complete and return to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then conduct a detailed examination of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also perform a physical exam and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be required.

What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?

A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an evaluation. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical exam and tests like hearing or vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They may also employ the standard ADHD rating scales and may be able to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.

When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs over six months that are serious enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.

During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.

People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the condition and also because it's costly.

What happens if 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 major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you.

If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will then explain the reason. It may be because you did not give enough detail about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with this choice, you can ask for another opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

It is important to remember that your physician may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the people involved, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limits.

GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.

The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which can put people in danger. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to think about alternatives.

It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to be given an assessment. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other social or health circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.

If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to offer support and treatment for your issues. Contact us or make an appointment online to learn how we can help.

What happens if I don't want to take medication?

You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not need to take any medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one of get more info the centers for specialists in England or go through the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.

Your appointment will consist of a validated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.

If the clinician determines that you have 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 if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may be dangerous in the event of a misjudgment.

The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is important to also 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 diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, particularly because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen because we are inexact and psychiatry is barely a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.