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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis — A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of 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 does it work?

Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?

If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the best treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run.

There are some concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Many people think that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.

It’s not surprising, therefore, that more adults choose to have a private assessment. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality they didn’t.

A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questionnaires you are asked to complete and return to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.

The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward documentation to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.

What happens if I don’t have an answer to my question?

A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults cannot wait that long and look for private doctors to determine their condition. This could save time and stress, but it’s important to understand that this isn’t an assurance of a correct diagnosis.

A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD scales for rating and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to rate you.

When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to affect the home or in the workplace. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you don’t meet the criteria for In My area a diagnosis 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 have a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication In My Area this way. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and because it’s expensive.

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

It’s worth remembering that your doctor 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 diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.

If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain the reason. You may have not provided enough information about your issues or they may think that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, you can ask for another opinion from a different clinician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

It’s important to consider that your doctor may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it’s not the fault of the individuals who are involved.

GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.

Panorama’s exposé has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which can put people in danger. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to think about other options.

It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other health and social circumstances that affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.

We can assist you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your issues. Contact us today or make an appointment online to find out what we can do to help.

What happens when you don’t want me take my medication?

You can be diagnosed if you’re concerned about ADHD symptoms but don’t wish to take medication. You can get an adult adhd diagnosis ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to recommend you to one of the centers for specialists in England or follow the «Right to Choose» route, which is more efficient.

Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial that you give accurate and truthful responses.

If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision it is crucial to consider the pros and cons of taking any medication. The effects of medication last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.

The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms and the amount of time you’ve been suffering from them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama «expose» of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We’re not sure that this does not happen because we are inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, it can make sense to get a private assessment.