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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to.

Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work?

Why do I require a private diagnosis?

If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and provide the proper treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.

In the face of these challenges, it's not surprising that more adults are opting to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and telling patients that they had ADHD when, in fact they didn't.

A private examination will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you must fill out and submit to the doctor. The tests are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.

The physician will then conduct a detailed review of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy if necessary.

What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?

A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private providers to assess their health. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing or vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history and your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD rating scales, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to evaluate 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 severe enough to interfere in the family or work environment. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your work and social history to rule out any issues like financial hardship or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug misuse.

During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision.

If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. However, doctors have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and also because it's expensive.

What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?

It's worth remembering that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.

If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain the reason. You may have not given enough details about your difficulties or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the decision you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints process.

It is important to be aware that your doctor might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. This isn't due to the people involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to the limit.

GPs also face challenges in navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to think about alternatives.

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It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other health and social circumstances that can affect how 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 identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your issues. You can make an appointment online or give us a call to see what we can do to help.

What happens when you don't want me to take my medication?

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to send you to one of the centers that specialize in England or go through the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.

Your appointment will comprise a validated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily activities. The doctor will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers.

If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before you make a decision it is crucial to consider the pros and cons of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner.

If you decide to take medication, the psychiatrist will give you an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it's important to remember 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 diagnose ADHD has sparked controversy, especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to get a private assessment.