ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers spoke to.

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

Why do I need an individual diagnostic?

If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a specialist who can accurately assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the end.

There are some concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this could cause a lot of distress for those who suffer from the condition. Many believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be.

In light of these problems it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to undergo an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics ran tests over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they weren't.

A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and return to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results can be used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then conduct a detailed examination of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment program.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This will allow 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 needed.

What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?

A good diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private specialists to evaluate their condition. This can help save time and frustration, but it's important to realize that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis.

A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD rating scales and ask your caregivers or teachers to evaluate you.

When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your work and social life history to rule out any issues like financial hardship, a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.

During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.

People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication in this way. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the disorder and because it's costly.

What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?

It is important to remember that your doctor must be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.

If your clinician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. You may have not provided enough details about your issues or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with the outcome then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different physician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

It is important to remember that your doctor might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and it's not the fault of the individuals who are involved.

GPs are trying to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.

Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to think about other options.

It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to be given a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background or born female or have other social or health circumstances that influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.

If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your issues. You can make an appointment via our website or give us an email to find out what we can do to assist you.

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

If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to use medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without taking medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to choose route which is a lot quicker.

Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinical interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your clinician understand the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers.

If the clinician determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using website medication. Before deciding it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medication. The effects of medications are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.

When you choose to take medication, the doctor will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it could be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy in particular because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate diagnostic tests. We are reticent to say that this does not happen, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to pay for an individual assessment.