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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But is it really working? What is the reason I need a private diagnosis? If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should consult a specialist who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be. In the light of these issues it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality, they did not. A private examination will typically begin with a series of screening questions that you are asked to complete and return to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment. The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history, as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program. If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will forward documents to your GP 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 therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if required. What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis? A good diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults can't endure this long and go to private professionals for an evaluation. This can save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis. A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This could include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales and request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you. When evaluating adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms over six months that are severe enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also look to determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardship or an abuse history, and drug or alcohol misuse. During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they think that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you are able to request a new assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion. If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. This is how some 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 have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive. What happens If I don't like my diagnosis? Remember that your therapist must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you. If your clinician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. You may have not provided enough details about your issues or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or go through the NHS complaints procedure. adhd diagnosis uk adults is important to be aware that your physician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the patients involved, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limits. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC. The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to think about other options. It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other social or health situations that could influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present. If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss how we might be able to help. What happens when you don't want me to take my medication? You can be diagnosed when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the “Right to Choose” pathway which is faster. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will enable your doctor to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you give accurate and truthful responses. If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects when taken improperly. The doctor will issue you the prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. You may be given ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been suffering from them. It is essential to keep in mind that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We are hesitant to say that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely is an actual science. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are being frustrated by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to take out a private assessment.