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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs following unreliable video assessments in private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really working? Why do I need a private diagnostic? If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. Additionally, many think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be. It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD even though, in actual they didn't. A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis. The doctor will then conduct a thorough assessment of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive tests. Based on your situation, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is needed. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private providers for their assessment. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to understand that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can give more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history and social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD scales for rating and ask your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you. When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms over six months that are serious enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also evaluate your professional and social background to rule out problems like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their decision. People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this information with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive. What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis? Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you. If your doctor finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will explain the reasons why. You may have not provided enough details about your struggles, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with this decision, you can ask for an alternative opinion from a different clinician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure. It is important to be aware that your clinician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the people involved. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC. The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put people in danger. adhd diagnoses IamPsychiatry is a national issue, and a very real reason to look at alternative options. It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other social and health situations that could influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present. We can help if you find your life negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. Contact us today or request an appointment online to find out how we can help. What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication? You can be diagnosed when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right to choose route which is faster. Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to know how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful responses. If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the implications of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. The effects of medications are long-term, and can be dangerous when taken improperly. If you decide to use medication, the doctor will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've experienced them. However, it is also important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen because we are inexact, and psychiatry barely a science. However, if you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS wait times, it is possible to get an assessment with a private practitioner.