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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and are prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to. Many people are required to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it work? 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 specialist who can assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should 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 offered by certain private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients that they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not. A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan. Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if needed. What happens if I don't get an answer to my question? A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an assessment. This can save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis. A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They could also employ standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may need to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too. When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also check whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your work and social life history to rule out any issues like financial hardship or an abuse history, and alcohol or drug misuse. During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. This is how many 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 disorder and because it's expensive. What if I disagree with my diagnosis? Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you. If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It could be because you did not provide enough information about your issues or they believe that a different condition can explain your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the decision you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure. It is important to remember that your physician might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. This isn't due to the people involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS services are stretched to the limits. GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). how are adults diagnosed with adhd ADHD Diagnosis 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 has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to think about alternatives. It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that can influence how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have. If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your problems. You can request an appointment on our website or give us a phone to discuss how we might be able to assist you. What happens if you don't want me take my medication? You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't need to take any medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the “Right to Choose” route, which is more efficient. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and certain validated assessments. This will help your physician determine 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 that you give accurate and truthful responses. If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be able to provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment. When you choose to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. It is also important to remember that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat 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 especially because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as a science. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it is possible to take out an individual assessment.