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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But does it work? Why do I need a private diagnostic? If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can evaluate your condition and provide you with the proper 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 that the NHS is unable to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this could cause a lot of distress for those suffering. Many believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be. In the face of these challenges it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the telephone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they were not. A private assessment will usually begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you are asked to complete and return to your doctor. The screenings are designed to see if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results are used to help the clinician decide whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then review your medical history and family history, as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed. What happens if I don't have a diagnosis? In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private specialists for their assessment. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis. A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history and social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales and request your teachers or caregivers to give you a score. When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to affect the home or in the workplace. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your social and professional history to rule out issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse. During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their decision. People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication this way. However, GPs have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and because it's expensive. What if I disagree with my diagnosis? It's worth remembering that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other treatment options that are more appropriate for you. If your doctor finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they provide the reasons for this. You may not have given enough details about your difficulties or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with this decision, you can ask for an alternative opinion from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure. It is important to remember that your doctor may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the people affected. GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a solid and safe, fair and fair service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing. Unfortunately, diagnosing adhd adults has exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to consider alternatives. It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to be given the diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other health and social circumstances that affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present. If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your difficulties. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a phone to discuss what we can do to help. What happens if I don't want to take a medication? You can be diagnosed if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not want to take medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the “Right to Choose” pathway which is faster. Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers. If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can provide you with a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before deciding it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medication. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly. When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. It is important to also keep in mind that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, particularly because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We're not sure that this does not happen because we are inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be a good idea to pay for an assessment.