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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 are prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it effective?

What is the reason I need an individual diagnosis?

If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.

There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. As adhd diagnosis uk adults , patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those suffering. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.

It's not surprising, then that more people choose to have a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they were not.

A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you are asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.

The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history, as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.

After you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will send documentation to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is required.

What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?

In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Many adults can't wait that long and seek out private providers to assess their health. This can help 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 expertise in diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They might also utilize the standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.

When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to cause disruption in work or family life. They will also check if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also assess your work and social life history to rule out any issues like financial hardship or an abuse history, and drug or alcohol misuse.


During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.

Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this information with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication in this way. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the disorder and because it is expensive.

What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?

It's worth remembering that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.

If your physician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. It may be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough details about your difficulties or because they believe that a different condition can explain your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the decision you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure.

No matter if you opt for private or use NHS healthcare the wait time for an appointment can be long and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the people affected.

GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.

The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national scourge and a compelling reason to consider alternatives.

It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to be given an assessment. This is especially true when the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other health or social issues that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.

We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your concerns. Contact us or make an appointment online to find out how we can assist you.

What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication?

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or by the 'Right to Choose route, which is much faster.

Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and some validated tests. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will consider your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential to give accurate and honest answers.

If the clinician 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 a medication. Before deciding, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of taking the medication. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can be dangerous if taken incorrectly.

The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've experienced them. It is also important to keep in mind that there are 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 generated controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this isn't the case because we aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry rarely is a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.

Member since: Sunday, September 1, 2024

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