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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But does it actually work? Why do I need a private diagnostic? If you or someone you know has ADHD You should consult a specialist who will accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money. There are some concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those suffering. Additionally, many feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be. In light of these issues it's not surprising that more people are opting to go for a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and told patients they were ADHD even though they were not. A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment. The clinician will then conduct a thorough review of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will send documents to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if required. What happens if I don't get an appointment? A good diagnosis and the right treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults cannot wait that long and seek out private specialists to assess their health. This could save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis. A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family background and your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and may want to request your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too. When evaluating adults with ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptoms over six months that are severe enough to interfere with work or home life. They will also look to determine whether these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your social and professional history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction. During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision. Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medications in this manner. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive. What if I disagree with my diagnosis? Remember that your clinician must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest other treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you. If your doctor determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will explain the reasons why. It could be due to your inability to provide enough information about your struggles or they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with this choice, you can ask for an alternative opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure. It's important to consider that your clinician may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people who are involved. GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a real reason to think about alternative options. It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has other health and social circumstances that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your problems. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out what we can do to assist you. What happens if you don't want me to take my medication? You can be diagnosed if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't need to take any medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or via the 'Right to Choose route which is a lot quicker. Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful responses. If a doctor determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. The effects of medication are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects if taken incorrectly. When diagnosed with adhd choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will give you 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 recommended that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is essential to remember that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate diagnostic tests. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an academic discipline. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS wait times, then it is possible to pay for a private assessment.