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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. IamPsychiatry occurred after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers were interviewed. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective? Why do I require an individual diagnosis? If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should consult a specialist who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Furthermore, a lot of people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be. In light of these challenges it's not surprising that more adults are opting to seek an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not. A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questions that you must complete and return to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose. The doctor will then conduct a detailed examination of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive tests. Based on your situation, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will send documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy if needed. What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis? A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and frustrating. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private providers for their evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a physical exam and tests, such as hearing and vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family history, as well as social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also utilize the standard ADHD rating scales and may want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too. When assessing adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardships or abuse history, 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 also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive. What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis? It's worth remembering that your doctor should be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you. If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It could be because you did not provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe another condition explains your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints procedure. Whether you go private or access NHS services waiting times for an assessment can be long and it's important to consider that your clinician might find the process frustrating. This isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limits. GPs also have to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC. Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put people in danger. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to think about alternative options. It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to be given the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other social or health circumstances that affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit. We can help you if find your life negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your issues. You can call us or request an appointment online to learn what we can do to help. What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication? You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right to choose route which is a lot more efficient. Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and some validated tests. 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 past experiences and your family history. It is essential to give accurate and honest answers. If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision it is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. The effects of medication last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment. The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. However, it's important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is an academic discipline. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to get an individual assessment.