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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted following 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 assessment. But is it really effective? Why do I require a private diagnostic? If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those suffering. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be. It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients that they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't. A private assessment usually starts with a series of questionnaires for screening which you'll be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. 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 a full diagnostic appointment. The clinician will then conduct a detailed review of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a'shared-care agreement'. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed. What happens if I don't get an appointment? A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private specialists for their assessment. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis. A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales of rating and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to evaluate you. When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your work and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardship, a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse. During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medications in this manner. However, GPs have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the condition and because it's costly. 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 will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you. If your doctor decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. It may be due to your inability to give enough detail about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the decision you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints process. Whether you go private or use NHS care the wait time for an appointment can be long and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people affected. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC. The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a real reason to consider alternative options. It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to 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 or health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit. If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us today or request an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you. What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication? If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without taking medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. adhd uk diagnosis can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the centers that specialize in England or go through the “Right to Choose” route, which is more efficient. Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician determine how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is essential that you provide truthful and accurate information. 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 would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking any medication. The effects of medications are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment. If you decide to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. Based on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the length of time you have been experiencing them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is important to also remember that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We're not sure that this isn't the case because we are inexact, and psychiatry barely a science. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to pay for an individual assessment.