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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to. Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work? Why do I need an individual diagnosis? If you or someone you love has ADHD You should find a doctor who can accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money. There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be. In the face of these problems it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to undergo a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they were not. A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questions that you must fill out and submit to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment. The clinician will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan. After you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will send paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed. What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis? A good diagnosis and the right treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an assessment. This can save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis. A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination as well as tests like hearing and vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They may also employ standard ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too. When evaluating adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs over six months that are serious enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also look to determine if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your work and social life history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties, a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug misuse. During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision. Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication in this way. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the disorder and because it's expensive. What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis? Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other treatment options that are more appropriate for you. If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain the reason. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your difficulties, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with this choice you may seek an additional opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure. It is important to remember that your physician might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the people involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS services are stretched to its limits. GPs are trying to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). adult adhd diagnosis uk must ensure they provide a solid safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing. The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national scourge, and a very real reason to think about alternatives. It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has any other health or social issues that affect how medical professionals view their symptoms. We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your problems. Contact us today or make an appointment online to learn how we can help. What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication? You can get a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not wish to take medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to recommend you to one of the centers that specialize in England or go through the “Right to Choose” method, which is quicker. Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and some validated tests. This will allow your doctor to understand the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your past experiences and family history. It is important to provide honest and truthful information. If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. The effects of a medication last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects when taken improperly. If you decide to use medication, your doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it could be recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. It is important to also keep in mind that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate diagnostic tests. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as an academic discipline. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to get an individual assessment.