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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really working? Why do I need a private diagnostic? If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you time and money in the end. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Many people believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be. It's not a surprise, then that more people choose to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and told patients they were ADHD even though they weren't. A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening which you'll be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose. The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history, as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed. What happens if I don't receive an appointment? If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private professionals for an assessment. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family background and your 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 give you a score. When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms over six months that are severe enough to interfere with work or home life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as alcohol and drug abuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision. If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this information with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the condition and because it's expensive. What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis? It is important to remember that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you. If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain the reason. It may be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your issues or they believe that a different condition can explain your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the outcome, you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure. It's important to consider that your doctor might find the process of assessing 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 affected. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the standards of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and an excellent reason to think about alternatives. It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other social and health situations that could affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit. If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your issues. Contact us or request an appointment online to learn what we can do to help. What happens when you don't wish me to take my medication? You can be diagnosed if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the “Right to Choose” pathway which is faster. Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your physician determine the way these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The doctor will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you provide truthful and accurate information. If adhd diagnosis decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly. When you choose to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, particularly because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry hardly is an academic discipline. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, then it can make sense to get an individual assessment.