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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 strong drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really effective? Why do I need a private diagnostic? If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can evaluate your health and provide the necessary treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money. There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be. In light of these challenges it's not surprising that more adults are opting to seek an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality they didn't. A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis. The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history, as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive tests. 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 doctor will send documents to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if required. What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis? A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to note 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 may include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. This will include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD scales of rating and may also request your teachers or caregivers to rate you. When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs within a period of six months that are serious enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your professional and social history to rule out problems like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the condition and because it's expensive. What if I disagree 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 doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you. If your physician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they provide the reasons for this. You may not have provided enough information 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 outcome then you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure. It is important to remember that your physician might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the people who are involved. GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national scourge and a compelling reason to think about alternatives. It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that can influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit. We can help you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to offer support and treatment for your issues. You can call us or request an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you. What happens If you don't want me to take my medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without the need for medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right To Choose' pathway which is a lot quicker. Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your clinician know the way these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The clinician will consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial that you give truthful and accurate information. If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they can give you an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly. If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is important to also remember that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. adult adhd diagnosis uk include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate in particular because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case because we are inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it may be beneficial to pay for an assessment.