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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private examination. But does it work? Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor? If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a specialist who can assess your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money. There are concerns regarding the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be. In light of these issues it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to seek an assessment by a private doctor. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients they were ADHD even though they weren't. A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questionnaires that you are asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend 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 daily life. The doctor will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will send paperwork 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 private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be required. What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis? A clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long to seek out private specialists to assess their health. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to keep in mind that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD scales of rating and may also ask your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you. When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are serious enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse. During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they think that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their decision. People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. However, GPs have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the disorder and because it's costly. What happens If I don't like my diagnosis? It is important to remember that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you. If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It may be due to your inability to provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or go through the NHS complaints process. It's important to consider that your doctor might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the individuals who are involved. GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC. Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national scourge and a compelling reason to consider alternatives. It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other health and social circumstances that affect how medical professionals view their symptoms. If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. ADHD Diagnosis have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your difficulties. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out what we can do to assist you. What happens if I don't want to take medication? If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to recommend you to one of the centers for specialists in England or go through the “Right to Choose” route, which is more efficient. Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your physician know the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential to give accurate and honest answers. If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before you make a decision, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of taking the medication. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner. The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. You may be given ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. It is essential to 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 treat ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We're not sure that this doesn't happen because we are inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.