ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.

Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work?

What is the reason I need an individual diagnosis?

If you think you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can evaluate your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis is often 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 are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many people also think that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.

In light of these challenges, it's not surprising that more adults are opting to go for a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they were not.

A private assessment usually begins with a series of screening questions which you'll be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment.

The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as in addition to the impact of adhd diagnosis uk adults symptoms on your life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and then given a treatment plan.

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 fee) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.

What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?

A good diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and painful. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private specialists to determine their health. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. This will include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They might also use standard ADHD rating scales and may want to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.

When evaluating adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are serious enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your professional and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse.

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

If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this 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. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive.

What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you.

If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It may be because you did not give enough detail about your difficulties or because they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the decision you may seek a second opinion from a different doctor or go through the NHS complaints procedure.

It's important to consider that your clinician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the individuals involved.

GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national scourge and a valid reason to consider alternative options.

It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities or born female or have other social or health circumstances that can influence how to get a diagnosis for add medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.

We can help if you think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your issues. You can call us or make an appointment online to find out how to get diagnosed with adhd in adults we can assist you.

What happens if I don't want to take medication?

You can receive a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated 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 comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will allow your clinician to understand how to get an adhd diagnosis uk adults Is Adult Adhd Diagnosed (Telegra.Ph) you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. The doctor will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful responses.

If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could be harmful if taken properly.

If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. You may be given ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it is also important to remember that there are other options to help manage adhd diagnosis in adulthood symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We're not sure that this doesn't happen because we are inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to get a private assessment.