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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs following unreliable video assessments in private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed. Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective? Why do I need a private diagnosis? If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a doctor who can assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money. There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Furthermore, a lot of people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be. It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to get a private evaluation. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality, they did not. A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis. The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will submit documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be required. What happens if I don't have an answer to my question? If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private specialists to evaluate their condition. This could save time and stress, but it's important to recognize that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis. A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical exam and tests, such as hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales of rating and may also ask your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you. When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse. During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion. If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can access medication 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 is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis? It is important to remember that your doctor should be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you. If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. You may not have given enough details about your issues or they might believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure. It's important to consider that your physician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. This isn't because of the patients involved, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limits. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC. Unfortunately, adhd diagnoses ADHD Diagnosis revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to consider alternatives. It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth or has other social and health issues that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms. We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. Contact us or request an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you. What happens if you don't want me to take my medication? You can be diagnosed if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't need to take any medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right to Choose' pathway which is a lot quicker. Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician determine how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers. If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. The effects of medication are long-term, and can have serious side effects if taken incorrectly. When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. You could be given ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've experienced these symptoms for. It is also important to remember that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient evaluations of clinical conditions. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen since humans are incredibly inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to take out an individual assessment.