ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds<br /><br />BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.<br /><br />Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?<br /><br />Why do I require an individual diagnosis?<br /><br />If you or someone you love has ADHD You should seek out a professional who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe best treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS but private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.<br /><br />There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. Many believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as effective as they could be.<br /><br />In the light of these problems 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 about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and told patients that they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't.<br /><br />A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questionnaires you must fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.<br /><br />The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.<br /><br />After you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward documents to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy if needed.<br /><br />What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?<br /><br />In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private specialists for their evaluation. This can save time and frustration, but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.<br /><br />A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a medical exam and tests like hearing or vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They may also employ standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may need to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.<br /><br />When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to affect 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 and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your work and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardship, an abuse history, and drug or alcohol misuse.<br /><br />During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.<br /><br />If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication in this way. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and also because it is expensive.<br /><br />What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?<br /><br />Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest other diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.<br /><br />If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. It could be due to your inability to provide enough information about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with this choice then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different clinician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.<br /><br />It is important to be aware that your clinician might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the people involved.<br /><br />GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they provide a solid safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.<br /><br />Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a real reason to think about alternatives.<br /><br />It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is a member of a minority group or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other health or social issues which can affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.<br /><br />We can help if you think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide support and treatment for your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment via our website or give us an email to find out what we can do to help.<br /><br />What happens If you don't want me take my medication?<br /><br />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 centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.<br /><br />Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will allow your doctor to know how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. <a href="https://www.openlearning.com/u/murphygleason-sjbs4w/blog/YourFamilyWillThankYouForGettingThisDiagnosisAdhd">how to get an adhd diagnosis uk</a> will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful answers.<br /><br />If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before deciding it is crucial to consider the pros and cons of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not taken properly.<br /><br /><br /><br />The doctor will issue you an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it might be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.<br /><br />The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry rarely is a science. However, if you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS wait times, then it is possible to take out a private assessment.<br /><br />