ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.

Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really working?

Why do I need a private diagnosis?

If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can assess your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.

There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those suffering. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.

It's not a surprise, then that more adults opt to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients they were ADHD when they weren't.

A private assessment typically begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results will assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.

The doctor will then review your medical background and family history, as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.

After you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will submit documentation to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is required.

What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?

A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an assessment. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history, as well as medical and social history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They might also employ standard ADHD rating scales and might want to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.

When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your work and social life history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties, the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.

During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.

Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the condition and also because it's expensive.

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

It's worth remembering that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you.

If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain why. It could be due to your inability to provide enough details about your issues or they believe another condition explains your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the decision you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or follow the NHS complaints process.

Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS services, the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy, and it's worth considering that your doctor may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the people involved.

GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.

The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national scourge and a compelling reason to look at alternatives.

It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. 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 that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.

If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we are here to assist. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your difficulties. You can make an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss how we might be able to assist you.

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

You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to recommend you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.

Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician understand how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The doctor will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is important to provide honest and truthful information.

If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is crucial to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could be harmful if used in a safe manner.

If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've experienced these symptoms for. It is also important to be aware of other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We are reticent to say that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.