ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were reported. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.


Many people are required to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?

Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?

If you or someone you know has ADHD You should seek out a professional who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe best treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you both 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. In the end, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. Furthermore, a lot of people think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.

It's not a surprise, then, that more adults choose to undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't.

adhd diagnosis uk adults starts with a series of questionnaires for screening which you'll be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to see if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then conduct a thorough review of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.

After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with a request for a'shared-care agreement'. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy if necessary.

What happens if I do not get an appointment?

A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private specialists to evaluate their situation. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This may include a medical examination and tests like hearing or vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. 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 scales of rating and may also request your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.

When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also check whether these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.

During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.

If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.

What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

It is important to remember that your doctor must be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.

If your doctor finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. You may not have given enough details about your struggles, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the decision you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure.

It is important to be aware that your clinician might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the people affected.

GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must make sure they provide a reliable, fair and safe service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national scandal and a compelling reason to look at alternative options.

It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background or born female or have other social and health circumstances that affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. You can schedule an appointment via our website or give us an email to find out what we can do to assist you.

What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?

If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it's possible to get a diagnosis without a prescription. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.

Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to know how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial to provide truthful and accurate answers.

If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD They can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication before making an informed decision. The effects of medication last for a long time, and they can be dangerous in the event of a misjudgment.

The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has caused controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.