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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to. Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work? Why do I require a private diagnosis? If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is important to find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run. There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many people believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be. In the light of these problems it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and told patients they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't. A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment. The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history, as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send 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. You can also visit your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is required. What happens if I do not receive an appointment? If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private specialists for their assessment. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This may include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. This will include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD ratings scales, and may need to ask your teachers or caregivers for 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 affect the home or in the workplace. They will also look to determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your work and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardship or the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their decision. If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this information with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the condition and also because it is expensive. What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis? Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you. If your clinician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. You may have not provided enough details about your issues or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the outcome you may seek an additional opinion from a different clinician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure. It is important to remember that your physician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. This isn't due to the patients affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit. GPs are trying to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC. Unfortunately, simply click the following website page has revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and an excellent reason to think about alternative options. It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to be given a diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has other social and health issues that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms. If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your issues. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a an email to find out how we might be able to assist. What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication? You can get a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right to choose route which is quicker. Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to understand how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your past experiences and your family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers. If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is essential to consider the implications of taking any medication prior to making a decision. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner. If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it might be recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is important to also be aware of other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is a science. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to take out an individual assessment.