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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. But is it effective? Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor? If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should find a doctor who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe best treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS but private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those suffering. Many people also think that the NHS assessment services aren't 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 offered by private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients they were ADHD even though they were not. A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis. The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. After you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, if necessary. What happens if I don't have a diagnosis? A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private providers for their assessment. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This could include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales of rating and ask your teachers or caregivers to give you a score. When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are severe enough to interfere with work or home life. They will also check whether these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your professional and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drug and alcohol misuse. During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their decision. Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can access medications in this manner. However, GPs have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise 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 respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other treatment options that are more suitable for you. If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will then explain the reason. You may not have given enough details about your issues or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints procedure. If you choose to go private or take advantage of NHS care, the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy, and it's important to consider that your doctor may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the individuals affected. GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they offer a robust, fair and safe service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing. The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to look at alternatives. It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other health and social circumstances that can affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit. We can help if you think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your issues. You can call us or request an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help. What happens If you don't wish me to take my medication? You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose” method, which is quicker. Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is crucial that you give honest and truthful information. If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medication. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and be harmful if used in a safe manner. If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've experienced them. However, click over here now is also important to keep in mind that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, in particular because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient evaluations of clinical conditions. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as an academic discipline. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to pay for a private assessment.