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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 occurred after tips were reported. Numerous patients and whistleblowers spoke to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But does it work? Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor? If you or someone you love has ADHD You should consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the best treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. Additionally, many believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be. In the light of these challenges, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to seek a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients they had ADHD even though, in actual, they did not. A private examination will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires you are asked to complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. These results are used to help the clinician decide whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment. The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. After you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be needed. What happens if I don't get an answer to my question? If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to note 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 examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD scales of rating, and may ask your caregivers or teachers to evaluate you. When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more signs over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your social and work background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties or a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse. During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their conclusion. People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly. What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis? Remember that your clinician must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you. If your physician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. You may have not provided enough details about your difficulties, or they may believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the decision you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or follow the NHS complaints process. It's important to consider that your clinician might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. This isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to the limit. GPs are trying to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a compelling 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 the diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth or has any other social and health issues which can affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. If diagnosis for adhd in adults www.iampsychiatry.uk from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your difficulties. Contact us today or request an appointment online to learn how we can help. What happens if I don't want to take a medication? You can get a diagnosis 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 refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the “Right to Choose” route, which is more efficient. Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily activities. The clinician will consider your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential that you give accurate and truthful responses. If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be able to provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is crucial to think about the consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner. The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You may 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 experiencing these symptoms for. However, it is also important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama “expose” of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as a science. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to get a private assessment.