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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 as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private examination. But does it work? Why do I need an individual diagnosis? If you or someone you love has ADHD You should consult a specialist who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe best 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 end. There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Many people also feel that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be. It's not a surprise, then that more adults opt to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't. A private assessment typically begins with a series of screening questions which you'll be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment. The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program. If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will submit paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be necessary. What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis? A good diagnosis and the proper 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 professionals for an assessment. This can save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis. A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. www.adhddiagnosis.top can include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD scales of rating, and may request your teachers or caregivers to rate you. When evaluating adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom within a period of six months that are serious enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your work and social life history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties or an abuse history, and alcohol or drug abuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their decision. If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. However, doctors have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and because it is expensive. What happens If I don't like my diagnosis? It is important to remember that your doctor must be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate for you. If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It could be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints process. If you choose to go private or use NHS care, the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. This isn't due to the patients involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to its limits. GPs also have to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they provide a solid, fair and safe service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose exposed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to consider alternative options. 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 particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have. We can help you if find your life negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your issues. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a call to see what we can do to assist you. What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication? You can be diagnosed when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't need to take any medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right To Choose' pathway which is quicker. Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician determine the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is important that you give truthful and accurate information. If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly. If you decide to take medication, the psychiatrist will give you an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You may be given ADHD medication for a long period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We're not sure that this doesn't happen because we are inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.