ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it effective?

Why do I need a private diagnosis?

If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can accurately assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.

There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.

It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality, they did not.

A private examination will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.

The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history, as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will submit paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if required.

What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?

A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private specialists to determine their situation. This can help save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. This will include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They might also utilize the standard ADHD rating scales and might want to request your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.

When evaluating adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are severe enough to cause disruption in the demands of work or at home. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out issues such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drug and alcohol misuse.

During your NHS assessment 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 may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.

Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.

What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?

It is important to remember that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the here diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.

If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain why. It could be due to your inability to provide enough details about your difficulties or because they believe that another condition is responsible for your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with this choice you may seek an additional opinion from a different doctor or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

No matter if you opt for private or use NHS services, the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy, and it's worth considering that your clinician may find the process difficult. This is not because of the individuals affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit.

GPs are trying to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.

The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national scourge and a compelling reason to look at alternative options.

It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other health and social circumstances which can affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.

If you are struggling with unmanaged 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 help you overcome your difficulties. You can make an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss what we can do to assist.

What happens If you don't wish me to take my medication?

You can receive a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the centers for specialists in England or follow the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.

Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they affect your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers.

If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with an 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 consider the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can be dangerous if taken incorrectly.

The psychiatrist will provide you with an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take a medication. You may be given ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it is also important to remember that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as a science. However, if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms and you are being frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to pay for a private assessment.