ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds<br /><br />BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to.<br /><br />Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it effective?<br /><br />What is the reason I need a private diagnosis?<br /><br />If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS but private diagnosis may be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.<br /><br />There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Furthermore, a lot of people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.<br /><br />It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and telling patients they had ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.<br /><br />A private examination will typically start with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results will assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.<br /><br />The doctor will then conduct a thorough examination of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and then given a treatment plan.<br /><br />After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.<br /><br />What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?<br /><br />In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.<br /><br />A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/">adult adhd diagnosis uk iampsychiatry.uk</a> may include a physical examination and tests like hearing and vision. This will include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family history and social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD scales for rating and may also ask your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.<br /><br />When evaluating adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to cause disruption in the demands of work or at home. They will also check if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also assess your work and social history to rule out any issues such as financial hardship or an abuse history, and alcohol or drug abuse.<br /><br />During your NHS assessment 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 explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their decision.<br /><br />People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, doctors have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and because it is expensive.<br /><br />What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?<br /><br />It is important to remember that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other treatment options that are more suitable for you.<br /><br /><br /><br />If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. It could be because you did not provide enough details about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different physician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.<br /><br />No matter if you opt for private or use NHS care, the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy, and it's worth considering that your clinician may find the process difficult. This isn't because of the individuals affected, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limit.<br /><br />GPs are trying to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC.<br /><br />Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and an excellent reason to consider alternatives.<br /><br />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 especially true if they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other social or health situations that could affect the way medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.<br /><br />We can assist you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to help you overcome your issues. You can request an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out what we can do to help.<br /><br />What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?<br /><br />If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to recommend you to one of the centers that specialize in England or go through the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.<br /><br />Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers.<br /><br />If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with an diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects when taken improperly.<br /><br />The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms and the length of time you have been experiencing them, it could be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.<br /><br />The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact and psychiatry is barely a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to take out a private assessment.<br /><br />