ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.

Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work?

Why do I need a private diagnostic?

If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD You should find a doctor who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.

There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Many people feel that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.

It's not surprising, therefore, that more adults choose to undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they were not.

A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend a diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then conduct a thorough assessment of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and then given a treatment plan.

After you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will submit documentation to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit 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?

If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long to seek out private providers to evaluate their condition. This can save time and stress, but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.

A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales for rating and ask your caregivers or teachers to evaluate you.

When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to affect work or family life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also assess your work and social life history to rule out problems like financial hardship or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug abuse.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their decision.

Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this information with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. However, doctors have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the condition and because it's expensive.

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

It is important to remember that your doctor must be respectful and empathetic to your read more concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you.

If your clinician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will explain the reasons why. You may have not given enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome, you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints process.

If you choose to go private or access NHS care the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy, and it's worth considering that your doctor may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched too thin and this isn't the fault of the individuals affected.

GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.

The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national scourge, and a very real reason to consider alternative options.

It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other health and social circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.

If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. You can request an appointment online or give us a an email to find out what we can do to help.

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

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without taking medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to recommend you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.

Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and some validated assessments. This will help your physician understand how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential to provide honest and truthful information.

If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision it is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may have serious side effects if taken incorrectly.

The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an academic discipline. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting time, it could be beneficial to pay for an assessment.