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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation FindsPatients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics according to 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 required to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it effective?Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe best treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.There are some concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Additionally, many believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.It's not a surprise, then, that more adults choose to get a private evaluation. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by certain 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 typically begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and then given a treatment plan.If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a request for a'shared-care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long to look for private doctors to determine their condition. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to keep in mind that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history, as well as social and medical history and will also inquire about your symptoms. They might also employ the standard ADHD rating scales and may want to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional 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 look at whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you 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 person to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication this way. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the condition and because it's expensive.What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?It is important to remember that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If diagnosis adhd disagrees with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you.If your doctor finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your issues or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints procedure.No matter if you opt for private or access NHS healthcare waiting times for an assessment could be lengthy and it's worth pondering that your clinician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the people involved.GPs also face challenges in navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must make sure they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to consider alternative options.It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive an assessment. This is particularly true if they are ethnically minorities or were born female or have other social and health situations that could influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.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 for your concerns. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a call to see what we can do to assist.What happens if I don't want to take a medication?If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without taking medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England, or through the 'Right to choose route, which is much quicker.Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into account your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial that you provide honest and truthful information.If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD They can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. The effects of medication are long-term, and can have serious side effects if taken incorrectly.If you decide to use medication, the doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the length of time you have been experiencing them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is important to also keep in mind that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include 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 people are misdiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We're not sure that this does not happen because we are inexact and psychiatry is barely a science. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are being frustrated by the NHS wait times, then it can make sense to get a private assessment.