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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs following unreliable video assessments in private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens 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 effective? Why do I need an individual diagnostic? If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run. There are concerns regarding the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those who suffer from the condition. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be. It's not surprising, then, that more adults choose to have a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has 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 were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not. A private assessment typically begins with a series of questionnaires for screening which you'll be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis. The clinician will then conduct a thorough examination of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. After you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will submit paperwork to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private specialists to assess their situation. This can save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate 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 exam and tests like hearing and vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family background and your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also utilize standardized ADHD rating scales and might need to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too. When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to cause disruption in work or family life. They will also look to determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties, the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse. During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not 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. Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and because it's expensive. What happens when 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 doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you. If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain why. You may not have given enough details about your struggles or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the outcome, you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or go through the NHS complaints procedure. If you choose to go private or access NHS care, the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy, and it's important to consider that your doctor might find the process frustrating. The NHS is overstretched and it's not the fault of the people involved. GPs also face challenges in navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they offer a high-quality 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 revealed that private clinics use shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put patients in danger. adult adhd diagnosis uk is a national scandal, and a very real reason to consider alternative options. It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when they are ethnically minorities or were born female or have other health and social circumstances that influence 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 offer support and treatment for your issues. Contact us or make an appointment online to discuss how we can help. What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without the need for medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England or via the 'Right to Choose option which is more efficient. Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to determine the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you provide honest and truthful information. If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to consider the pros and cons of taking the medication. This is because the effects of medications 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. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is essential to keep in mind that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage 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 misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to take out an assessment with a private practitioner.