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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, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following 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 does it work? Why do I require an individual diagnostic? If you or someone you love has ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be. It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and told patients they were ADHD even though they weren't. A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questionnaires you will be asked to fill out and submit to the doctor. The screenings are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then review your medical history and family history, as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program. Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a request for a'shared-care agreement'. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy if needed. What happens if I do not receive an appointment? A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private specialists for their evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can offer more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing or vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD rating scales and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to rate you. When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also check if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out issues such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their decision. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive. What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis? Remember that your therapist must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you. If your physician determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. It may be due to your inability to provide enough information about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you are not happy with the outcome then you can seek an additional opinion from a different doctor or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure. It is important to remember that your clinician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and it's not the fault of the individuals who are involved. GPs also struggle to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC. The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which can put people in danger. This is a national scourge, and a very real reason to think about alternative options. It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present. If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide support and treatment for your problems. Contact us or request an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help. What happens if I don't want to take a medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right To Choose option which is quicker. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and the completion of some validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to know how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential to give accurate and honest answers. If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner. The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've experienced these symptoms for. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy. adhd adult diagnosis uk 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We're not sure that this does not happen since humans are incredibly inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, then it can make sense to pay for a private assessment.