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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs following unreliable video tests at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were spoken to. Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really working? Why do I require an individual diagnosis? If you think you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can evaluate 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 concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Additionally, many think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be. It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover program 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 assessment usually starts with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment. adhd uk diagnosis will then review your medical history and family history, as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan. Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be necessary. What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question? If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long and seek out private providers to determine their condition. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to keep in mind that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis. A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. This will include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history and social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They may also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and may need to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too. 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 interfere in the family or work environment. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse. During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision. If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive. What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis? Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you. If your clinician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will give the reasons. You may have not given enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or follow the NHS complaints process. Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS healthcare, the wait time for an appointment can be long and it's worth pondering that your clinician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the individuals affected. GPs also face challenges in navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must make sure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing. The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put people in danger. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to consider alternative options. It is also worth noting that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to be given the diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has other social and health issues that can influence the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your concerns. Contact us today or make an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you. What happens if I don't want to take medication? You can be diagnosed when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers for specialists in England or go through the “Right to Choose” route, which is more efficient. Your appointment will consist of a validated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician determine the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is essential that you provide honest and truthful information. If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can give you an assessment. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision it is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and be harmful if used in a safe manner. The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, as well as the length of time you have been experiencing them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that patients are being 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 a science. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, it can make sense to take out an individual assessment.