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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to. Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it work? Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor? If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those suffering. Many feel that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be. It's not a surprise, then that more people choose to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they were not. A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questions that you must complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive test. 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 clinician will submit documents 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. adult adhd diagnosis uk can also consult your personal doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be necessary. What happens if I don't receive an appointment? A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and look for private doctors to assess their situation. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk may include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family background and medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They might also employ standard ADHD ratings scales, and may want to request your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too. When assessing adults with 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 determine whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out problems such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction. During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition and also because it is expensive. What if I disagree with my diagnosis? It's worth remembering that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you. If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain why. You may have not given enough details about your struggles, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints process. Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS services, the wait time for an assessment could be long and it's worth considering that your doctor might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the people affected. GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC. Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to consider alternatives. It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to be given an assessment. This is particularly true if they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other health and social circumstances that affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present. If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your issues. You can call us or request an appointment online to discuss how we can help. What happens if I don't want to take medication? If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to recommend you to one of the centers that specialize in England or go through the “Right to Choose” method, which is quicker. Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to know the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers. If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. The effects of a medication are long-term, and can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment. When you choose to take medication, the doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. You may be given ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for. It is essential to be aware of other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy in particular because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We're not sure that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.