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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 prescribed strong medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers contacted. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it effective? Why do I require a private diagnostic? If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a professional who can assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. Many people opt to use 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 current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Furthermore, a lot of people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be. It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to have a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they were not. A private assessment usually starts with a series of screening questions which you'll be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to see if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then review your medical background and family history as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a request for a 'shared care agreement'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your personal doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be needed. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family background and medical and social history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also use standardized ADHD rating scales and might want to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too. When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your social and work background to rule out issues like financial hardship or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug abuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they think that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their conclusion. People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this information with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medications in this manner. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the condition and because it is expensive. What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis? It is important to remember that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues 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 physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. It may be because you did not provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints process. It is important to remember that your clinician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the individuals affected. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they provide a solid and safe, fair and fair service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing. Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a real reason to think about alternatives. It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social or health situations that could affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit. We can help if you think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your issues. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a call to see how we might be able to assist. What happens If you don't wish me to take my medication? You can be diagnosed if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England or by the 'Right To Choose option, which is much more efficient. Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is essential that you give accurate and truthful responses. If adult adhd diagnosis uk determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is crucial to think about the implications of taking any medication before making a decision. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly. If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, particularly because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this doesn't happen because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.