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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted. Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it effective? Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor? If you or someone you know has ADHD You should consult a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe best treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run. There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Many people believe that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be. It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics ran tests over the phone and told patients they were ADHD when they weren't. A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The tests are designed to see if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule a diagnostic appointment. The physician will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. After you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will forward documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be needed. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private specialists to determine their condition. Iam Psychiatry can help save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis. A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They could also utilize the standard ADHD rating scales and might need to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too. When evaluating adults with ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more signs within a period of six months that are severe enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also review your social and work background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties, a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform you if they think that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their decision. People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication this way. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive. What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis? It's worth remembering that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you. If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain the reason. You may not have provided enough information about your struggles, or they may believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with the outcome you may seek another opinion from a different clinician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure. It's important to consider that your physician may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. This is not because of the people involved, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit. GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they provide a solid, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing. Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put people in danger. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to look at alternatives. It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other health and social circumstances that affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have. We can help if you think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your concerns. You can make an appointment online or give us a an email to find out how we might be able to assist. What is the consequence if I don't want 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 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 consist of an assessment that is validated as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician know the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful answers. If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before deciding it is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment. When you choose to take medication, your doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of insufficient clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this isn't the case because we are inexact and psychiatry is barely a science. However, if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it is possible to get a private assessment.