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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to. Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work? What is the reason I need a private diagnosis? If you think you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can evaluate your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be. In light of these problems it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to seek an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not. A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires that you are asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend a diagnostic appointment. The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history, as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program. After you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will forward paperwork to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if needed. What happens if I don't receive an appointment? If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long to seek out private providers to assess their condition. This could save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis. A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family background and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They might also utilize standard ADHD rating scales and might need to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too. When evaluating adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more symptom over six months that are serious enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction. During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not fit 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 conclusion. People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis 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. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive. What if I disagree with my diagnosis? Remember that your therapist must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you. If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain why. It may be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe that another condition is responsible for your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you are not happy with this decision then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different clinician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure. It's important to consider that your clinician might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the individuals who are involved. GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must make sure they provide a solid, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing. The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics use techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put people in danger. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a real reason to look at alternative options. It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth or has any other health or social issues that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your difficulties. You can request an appointment online or give us a call to see what we can do to assist. What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication? You can receive a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not need to take any medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. how to get diagnosed with adhd uk can ask your doctor to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow 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 allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The doctor will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is essential that you give 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 whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the implications of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can be dangerous if taken incorrectly. The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is also important to remember that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate diagnostic tests. We're not sure that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could make sense to pay for an assessment.