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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 strong medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to. Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective? Why do I require an individual diagnostic? If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be. It's not a surprise, then that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact they didn't. A private assessment usually starts with a series of questionnaires for screening which you'll be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose. The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will also carry out physical and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a'shared-care agreement'. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if required. What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis? In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and frustrating. Many adults can't wait that long and look for private doctors to assess their condition. This could save time and stress, but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical examination and tests like hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They could also utilize the standard ADHD rating scales and might need to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too. When assessing adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more signs over six months that are severe enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also check whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also evaluate your social and professional history to rule out problems such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision. If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive. What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis? Remember that your doctor must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you. If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain why. You may not have given enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints process. It's important to consider that your doctor might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. This is not because of the individuals affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must make sure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national catastrophe and an excellent reason to consider alternative options. It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of a minority ethnic background or born female or have other social and health circumstances that influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit. We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to help you overcome your issues. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out what we can do to assist. What happens If you don't wish me to take my medication? You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the “Right to Choose” method, which is quicker. Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician know how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The clinician will look at 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 the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to consider the pros and cons of taking a medication. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can be dangerous if taken incorrectly. The psychiatrist will provide you with an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. It is important to also be aware of 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 sparked controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen because we are inexact creatures and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment with a private practitioner.