ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after 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?

Why do I require an individual diagnostic?

If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should seek out a professional who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.

There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those affected. Many think that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.

In light of these challenges it's not a surprise that more people are opting to go for a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the telephone and told patients they were ADHD even though they were not.

A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to complete and return to the doctor. The tests are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose.

The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history, as and the effects of adhd private diagnosis symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will submit documents to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be necessary.

What happens if I do not get an appointment?

A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private specialists to assess their situation. This can save time and stress, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.

A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history and medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales of rating and may also ask your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.

When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your social and work history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties or the history of abuse and drug or alcohol 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 the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. However, GPs have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and also because it's costly.

What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?

It's worth remembering that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you.

If your clinician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. You may not have provided enough information about your struggles, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure.

No matter if you opt for private or access NHS services waiting times for an assessment can be long and it's worth considering that your doctor might find the process frustrating. This isn't due to the people involved, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limit.

GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.

Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national scourge, and a very real reason to think about alternatives.

It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities or born female or have other social or health circumstances that can influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.

If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide support and treatment for your problems. Contact us or make an appointment online to learn how we can assist you.

What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?

If you are worried about adhd diagnosis in adulthood symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without taking medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the “Right to Choose” route, which is more efficient.

Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to assess how to get adhd diagnosis in adults you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to provide honest and truthful information.

If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for adhd Psychiatrist and ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.

The doctor will issue you an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take a medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that treat ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result of inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We're not sure that this doesn't happen because we are inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/top-doctors-logo.png)