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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective? What is the reason I need a private diagnosis? If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should find a doctor who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS, private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. Many people also feel that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be. It's not surprising, then that more people choose to have a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and telling patients they had ADHD even though, in actual they didn't. A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questions that you are asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose. The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history, as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and then given a treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will submit documentation to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your personal doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy if needed. What happens if I do not get an appointment? If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private providers to determine their condition. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis. A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This may include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They might also use standard ADHD rating scales and might need to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too. When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also look at your social and work history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't specialize in the condition or because it's costly. What happens If I don't like my diagnosis? Remember that your therapist must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you. If your clinician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will explain the reasons why. You may not have given enough details about your difficulties, or they may believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with this choice you may seek an additional opinion from a different doctor or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure. It is important to be aware that your doctor may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the individuals affected. GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they provide a solid and safe, fair and fair service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing. Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics employ shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put people in danger. This is a tragedy for the entire country and an excellent reason to consider alternative options. It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth, or has other health and social circumstances that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms. If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your issues. Contact IamPsychiatry or request an appointment online to find out what we can do to help. What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication? You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or by the 'Right to Choose option which is a lot faster. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and certain validated assessments. This will help your clinician determine how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers. If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you an assessment. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can be dangerous in the event of a misjudgment. If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you the prescription and plan. Based on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the length of time you have been experiencing them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We hesitate to claim that this doesn't happen because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry rarely is a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be beneficial to pay for an assessment.