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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 medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was carried out following 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? What is the reason I need a private diagnosis? If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people opt 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 struggling to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this could cause a lot of distress for those suffering. Furthermore, a lot of people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be. In the face of these issues it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to go for an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact, they did not. A private assessment usually starts with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. If you're diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy if required. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Some adults can't endure this long and go to private specialists for their evaluation. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis. A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. This will include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history, as well as social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They might also utilize the standard ADHD ratings scales, and may need to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too. When evaluating adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptom within a period of six months that are severe enough to cause disruption in the demands of work or at home. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out problems like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision. People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can decide to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. However, GPs have been often hesitant 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? It is important to remember that your doctor must be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you. If your doctor determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. You may not have provided enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with this choice you may seek an alternative opinion from a different physician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure. It is important to be aware that your clinician might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. This isn't due to the people involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to its limits. GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC. The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to look at alternatives. It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth, or has other social and health issues which can affect how medical professionals view their symptoms. If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to offer support and treatment for your problems. Contact us today or make an appointment online to find out how we can help. What happens If you don't want me to take my medication? You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or by the 'Right To Choose' pathway which is faster. adult adhd diagnosis uk will comprise an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is essential that you provide accurate and truthful responses. If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is crucial to consider the pros and cons of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner. The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. However, adhd diagnosis uk adults is also important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise 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 being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate diagnostic tests. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry hardly is an actual science. However, if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to take out an individual assessment.