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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs following unreliable video assessments in private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers spoke to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective? Why do I need a private diagnostic? If you or someone you love has ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe best treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you time and money in the long run. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months 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 is not as good as it could be. In light of these issues, it's not surprising that more adults are opting to go for an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients that they had ADHD when, in fact, they did not. A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires that you are asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment. The physician will then conduct an in-depth review of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also perform a physical exam and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and then given a treatment plan. After you've been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with a form for a'shared-care agreement'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy if required. What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment? A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their evaluation. This can save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis. A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family history and medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales of rating, and may request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you. When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social history to rule out problems like financial hardship or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse. During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision. If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and also because it's expensive. What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis? It's worth remembering that your doctor should be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you. If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain the reason. It could be due to your inability to give enough detail about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you are not happy with the outcome, you can ask for another opinion from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure. No matter if you opt for private or use NHS care the wait time for an assessment can be long and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. This isn't because of the people involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limit. GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing. The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics utilize quick diagnostic techniques, which can put patients in danger. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to look at alternative options. It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other social or health circumstances that can influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit. If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. Contact adhd in adults undiagnosed or make an appointment online to find out what we can do to help. What happens if you don't want me to take my medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without taking 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 centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right to choose option which is a lot quicker. Your appointment will consist of a validated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they affect your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers. If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. The effects of a medication are long-lasting, and may have serious side effects if taken incorrectly. The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've experienced them. It is also important to remember that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as an academic discipline. 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.