ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

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

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it effective?

Why do I require an individual diagnosis?

If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can accurately assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more precise 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 have to wait for weeks or months to get diagnosed with add an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.

It's not a surprise, then that more adults opt to undergo a private adhd diagnosis cost examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact, they did not.

A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questions that you are asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis.

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 doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan.

After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while you see your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if required.

What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?

A good diagnosis and the right treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private providers for their evaluation. This can save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination and tests like hearing or vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They might also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and might want to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.

When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your work and social history to rule out any issues such as financial hardship or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse.

During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.

If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medications in this manner. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive.

What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?

It's worth remembering that your doctor must be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.

If your clinician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. You may not have provided enough details about your struggles, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with this choice you may seek another opinion from a different physician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.

No matter if you opt for private or access NHS services waiting times for an appointment can be lengthy, and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the individuals who are involved.

GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they offer a robust, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national scandal and a compelling reason to consider alternative options.

It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social or health circumstances that can affect how to get diagnosed add medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

We can assist you if feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to help you overcome your issues. You can request an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss what we can do to assist.

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

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England or via the 'Right to Choose' pathway which is a lot quicker.

Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to provide truthful and accurate answers.

If the doctor decides that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. The effects of a medication last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects if taken incorrectly.

The doctor will issue you the prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an academic discipline. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being frustrated by the NHS wait times, it can make sense to get an individual assessment.