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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 after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective? Why do I require an individual diagnostic? If you or someone you know has ADHD You should find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money. There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Many think that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be. In the face of these challenges, it's not surprising that more people are opting to go for a private assessment. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD when, in fact they didn't. A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questions that you are asked to fill out and submit to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment for diagnosis. The clinician will then conduct a detailed examination of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician 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 clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be required. What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment? In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private providers for their evaluation. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can give more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a physical exam and tests, such as hearing and vision. This will include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD rating scales and may want to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too. When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in the family or work environment. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your social and work background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties, the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse. During your NHS assessment you will be informed 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 conclusion. People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication in this way. 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? It is important to remember that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you. If your doctor determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. It may be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your issues or they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure. If you choose to go private or use NHS healthcare the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy, and it's worth considering that your clinician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people involved. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that some private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national scourge, and a very real reason to think about alternatives. It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are ethnically minorities or born female or have other health and social circumstances that influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit. We can assist you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. You can make an appointment online or give us a an email to find out how we might be able to assist you. What happens when you don't want me to take my medication? You can get a diagnosis 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 with your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right To Choose route which is a lot faster. Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers. If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with a diagnosis. diagnosing adhd will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not taken properly. The psychiatrist will provide you with an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take a medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it could be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is an academic discipline. However, if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to get an individual assessment.