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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 following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective? Why do I require a private diagnosis? If you think you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can accurately assess your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those suffering. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be. In light of these issues it's not surprising that more people are opting to seek an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and telling patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't. A private examination will typically begin with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to complete and return to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule a diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then review your medical background and family history, as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. diagnosis of adhd will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your personal doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be required. What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis? A clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long and look for private doctors to evaluate their situation. This can save time and frustration, but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis. A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They might also use standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too. When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to interfere in the family or work environment. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision. If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's costly. What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis? Remember that your clinician must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you. If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It could be that you haven't given enough details about your struggles, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome you may seek an alternative opinion from a different clinician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure. If you choose to go private or take advantage of NHS care the wait time for an assessment can be long and it's worth considering that your doctor might find the process frustrating. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the individuals who are involved. 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, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC. The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ shortcut diagnostic methods, which could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and an excellent reason to look at alternatives. It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other health or social issues which can affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms. If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your concerns. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a phone to discuss what we can do to help. What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without a prescription. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right to Choose route which is faster. Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will consider your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential that you provide accurate and truthful responses. If the doctor decides 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 taking a medication. It is essential to consider the implications of taking any medication prior to making the decision. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner. The psychiatrist will give you the prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. It is also important to keep in mind that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We are hesitant to say that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to pay for an individual assessment.