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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were reported. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted. Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work? Why do I require a private diagnostic? If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a doctor who can assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be. It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality, they did not. A private assessment typically begins with a series of screening questions, which you will be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment. The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be necessary. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? In the case of ADHD an accurate 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 that long and look for private doctors to determine their situation. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They may also employ the standard ADHD rating scales and may need to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too. When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptom within a period of six months that are serious enough to cause disruption in the demands of work or at home. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your social and work background to rule out issues such as financial hardship or an abuse history, and drug or alcohol misuse. During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly. What if I disagree with my diagnosis? Remember that your doctor must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you. If your doctor decides that you don't 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 struggles or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the outcome, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different doctor or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure. It's important to consider that your doctor may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. This isn't because of the individuals involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to the limits. GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they provide a reliable, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing. The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put people in danger. This is a national issue and a valid reason to look at alternatives. It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to receive an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has any other social and health issues which can affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. Contact us or make an appointment online to find out how we can help. What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication? adhd uk diagnosis can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't need to take any medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right to Choose option which is quicker. Your appointment will include a validated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to know the way these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The doctor will consider your past experiences and family history. It is essential to provide honest and truthful information. If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could have serious side-effects if not taken properly. The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it might be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, particularly because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry rarely is an actual science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to get an assessment with a private practitioner.