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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 as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tips received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But does it work? Why do I need a private diagnosis? If you or someone you know has ADHD You should find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money. There are some concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those affected. Many people think that the NHS assessment services are not as good as they could be. In light of these issues it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to go for an appointment with a private physician. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact they didn't. A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you must complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then review your medical history 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. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send documents to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your personal doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be needed. What happens if I don't have a diagnosis? A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer 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. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They may also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and may want to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too. When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your professional and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction. During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to discuss the diagnosis 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 receive medications. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the disorder and because it is expensive. What happens If I don't like my diagnosis? Remember that your doctor must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you. If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain why. It could be that you haven't given enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis, you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints procedure. It's important to consider that your physician might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the patients affected, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limits. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must make sure they provide a reliable, fair and safe service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to think about alternative options. It is important to remember that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to be given an assessment. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth, or has other health and social circumstances which can affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your problems. You can request an appointment online or give us a call to see what we can do to assist. What happens if you don't want me take my medication? You can be diagnosed if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't need to take any medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers that specialize in England or follow the “Right to Choose” pathway which is faster. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will take into account your past experiences and family history. It is essential to provide truthful and accurate answers. If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD They can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication before making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if used in a safe manner. If you decide to take medication, the doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a long duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've experienced them. getting diagnosed with adhd is essential to be aware of other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient assessment of the clinical condition. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.