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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to. Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective? Why do diagnosing adhd in adults require a private diagnosis? If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can assess your health and provide the proper treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you both 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. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Many think that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be. In light of these problems it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to go for a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they were not. A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questions that you are asked to complete and return to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis. The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed. What happens if I don't have an answer to my question? A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private providers for their assessment. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history, as well as social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales for rating, and may ask your caregivers or teachers to give you a score. When evaluating adults with ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptom within a period of six months that are severe enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also look to determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction. During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their decision. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medications in this manner. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive. What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis? Remember that your therapist must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you. If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain why. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your struggles or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or go through the NHS complaints process. If you choose to go private or take advantage of NHS healthcare the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy and it's important to consider that your clinician might find the process frustrating. This is not because of the patients involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limit. GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a solid safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing. The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to think about alternatives. It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth or has any other health and social circumstances that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms. If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your issues. Contact us today or make an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you. What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication? If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right To Choose option which is faster. Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated 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 effect they affect your daily routine. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers. If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects if taken incorrectly. When you choose to take medication, the doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. You may be given ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to take out an assessment with a private practitioner.