ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed strong medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers contacted.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?

Why do I require a private diagnosis?

If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can assess your condition and provide the necessary treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those suffering. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.

In light of these issues it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't.

A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questionnaires you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then review your medical background and family history, as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.

What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?

A good diagnosis and the right treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults are unable to wait that long to look for private doctors to evaluate their situation. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They may also use standardized ADHD rating scales and might be able to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.

When assessing adult add diagnosis ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.

During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.

People who receive a private adhd diagnosis cost diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get diagnosis for adhd medication in this way. However, doctors have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the disorder and because it is expensive.

What happens If I don't like my diagnosis for adhd in adults?

Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.

If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. It could be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your difficulties or because they believe that a different condition can explain your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with this choice you may seek an additional opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS healthcare the wait time for an assessment could be long and it's worth considering that your doctor might find the process frustrating. This isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits.

GPs are trying to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that some private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to look at alternative options.

It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to be given an assessment. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other social and health issues which can affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.

If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. Contact us or make an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you.

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

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without the need for medication. The NHS provides an adult adhd diagnosis ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England, or through the 'Right to Choose route which is a lot faster.

Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician determine how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will take into account your past experiences and family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful answers.

If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an diagnosis. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.

The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. You may be given ADHD medication for a long period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been suffering from these symptoms for. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as a science. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS wait times, it can make sense to pay for an individual assessment.