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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs following unreliable video assessments at private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But does it actually work? What is the reason I need a private diagnosis? If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a professional who can assess your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money. There are adhd in adults diagnosis that the NHS is struggling to deal with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those affected. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be. In the face of these problems it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to seek a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact they didn't. A private assessment usually starts with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then conduct a thorough examination of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if needed. What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis? A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their assessment. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family background and medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They may also employ standard ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too. When assessing adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are serious enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also look to determine if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as alcohol and drug abuse. During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication in this way. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the disorder and because it is expensive. What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis? Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you. If your doctor finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. You may have not given enough details about your issues or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with this choice you may seek another opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure. If you choose to go private or take advantage of NHS healthcare waiting times for an appointment can be long and it's important to consider that your clinician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched too thin and this isn't the fault of the people who are involved. GPs also have to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC. The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize quick diagnostic techniques, which can put people in danger. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to look at alternative options. It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other social or health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit. We can help if you think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide support and treatment for your problems. You can call us or make an appointment online to learn how we can help. What happens if you don't want me take my medication? If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without taking medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right to choose route, which is much quicker. Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily activities. The clinician will consider your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful responses. If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication prior to making the decision. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner. If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is also important to remember that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed due to inadequate diagnostic tests. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry rarely is an actual science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting time, it could be beneficial to pay for an assessment.