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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 are prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to. Many people are required to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective? Why do I require a private diagnostic? If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a specialist who can assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS but an individual diagnosis can 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 are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Many think that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be. It's not surprising, then, that more adults choose to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD when, in fact they didn't. A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis. The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history, as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will forward documents to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required. What happens if I do not receive an appointment? A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Some adults cannot wait that long and seek out private specialists to assess their health. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination and tests, such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also use standardized ADHD rating scales and may need to request your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too. 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 interfere in the family or work environment. They will also check whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction. During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for 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 decision. People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication this way. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the disorder and because it's costly. What happens If I don't like my diagnosis? It is important to remember 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 doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you. If your doctor finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they provide the reasons for this. It may be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your struggles or they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure. Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS healthcare waiting times for an appointment can be lengthy, and it's worth pondering that your doctor might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched too thin and this isn't the fault of the individuals who are involved. GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC. The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which can put patients in danger. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to consider alternative options. It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other health and social situations that could influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit. If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a call to see how we might be able to help. What happens If you don't want me take my medication? You can get a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not need to take any medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the “Right to Choose” method, which is quicker. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and certain validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will take into account your previous experiences and family history. It is essential that you give truthful and accurate information. If the clinician determines that you have 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 a medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. adhd diagnosis uk adults of a medication are long-term, and can have serious side effects if taken incorrectly. The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a long duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've experienced them. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as a science. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and you are being frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to take out an individual assessment.