ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was carried out following 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 does it work?

What is the reason I need a private diagnosis?

If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS but a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run.

There are some concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those suffering. Many people think that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.

In the light of these challenges, it's not surprising that more people are opting to seek an appointment with a private physician. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.

A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questionnaires you will be asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment to diagnose.

The doctor will then conduct a thorough assessment of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if needed.

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

In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long to look for private doctors to assess their situation. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination and tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD scales for rating, and may request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.

When evaluating adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are severe enough to disrupt the demands of work or at home. They will also determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like more info signs. They will also review your professional and social history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as alcohol and drug abuse.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.

People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this information 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 medications in this manner. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.

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

It's worth remembering that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you.

If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain the reason. It may be because you did not give enough detail about your struggles or they believe another condition explains your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with this choice, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

If you choose to go private or access NHS services waiting times for an assessment could be lengthy and it's worth pondering the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. This is not because of the people involved, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits.

GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.

The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize quick diagnostic techniques, which can put patients in danger. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to look at alternative options.

It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to be given the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are ethnically minorities or were born female or have other health and social circumstances that affect how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.

If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your problems. You can call us or make an appointment online to find out what we can do to help.

What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication?

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the centers that specialize in England or follow the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.

Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to determine how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers.

If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with an diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the implications of taking any medication before making the decision. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can be dangerous when taken improperly.

When you choose to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You could be given ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. It is important to also 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, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry barely is a science. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS wait times, then it is possible to get an individual assessment.