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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, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But is it really working? What is the reason I need an individual diagnosis? If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS, private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you time and money in the end. There are some concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Many people also feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as effective as they could be. In the face of these problems it's not a surprise that more people are opting to seek 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 had rushed through assessments over the telephone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they were not. A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment for diagnosis. The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history, as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily 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. After you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. adhd uk diagnosis will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy when required. What happens if I don't have an answer to my question? In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and difficult. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private providers for their assessment. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history and your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales for rating and ask your teachers or caregivers to rate you. When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are severe enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out problems like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction. During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their conclusion. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis 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 are able to access medications. However, doctors have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they aren't experts in the disorder and because it is expensive. What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis? Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other treatment options that are more suitable for you. If your physician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your issues or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with the outcome you may seek an alternative opinion from a different physician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure. Whether you go private or use NHS services waiting times for an assessment can be lengthy, and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is overstretched and it's not the fault of the people involved. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they offer a robust and safe, fair and fair service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing. The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to look at alternatives. It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to be given an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has any other health or social issues that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms. We can help if you think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to help you overcome your issues. Contact us or request an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help. What happens when you don't wish me to take my medication? You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right to choose' pathway which is a lot more efficient. Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will consider your past experiences and family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers. If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before deciding it is essential to consider the pros and cons of taking the medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner. If you decide to use medication, your doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it could be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result of insufficient clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this doesn't happen because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is a science. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, then it can make sense to pay for an assessment with a private practitioner.