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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted. Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But does Read the Full Report work? Why do I need a private diagnosis? If you or someone you know has ADHD You should consult a specialist who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more precise and can save time and money. There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those affected. Many feel that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be. It's not surprising, therefore, that more adults choose to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD even though, in actual they didn't. A private assessment typically begins with a series of screening questions, 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 are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment. The doctor will then conduct a detailed assessment of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also perform a physical exam and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan. If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward documentation to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if required. What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment? In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their evaluation. 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 with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This may include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history and medical and social history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales for rating and request your teachers or caregivers to give you a score. When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more signs over six months that are severe enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your work and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardship, the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse. During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion. People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication in this way. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the disorder and because it's expensive. What if I disagree with my diagnosis? It's worth remembering that your doctor should be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems 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 appropriate for you. If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain the reason. It could be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough details about your difficulties or because they believe another condition explains your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the decision you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or go through the NHS complaints process. If you choose to go private or access NHS healthcare waiting times for an appointment can be lengthy, and it's worth considering that your clinician may find the process difficult. This is not because of the people involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to its limits. GPs also have to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC. Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national scourge and a compelling reason to consider alternative options. It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group or was a female at birth, or has other social and health issues that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms. We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide support and treatment for your difficulties. You can request an appointment on our website or give us a call to see what we can do to assist you. What is the next step if I don't wish to take a medication? If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to Choose route, which is much more efficient. Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and some validated assessments. This will allow your clinician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they affect your daily routine. The doctor will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is essential to provide truthful and accurate answers. If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before making a decision it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using a medication. The effects of medications are long-lasting, and may cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment. The psychiatrist will give you the prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've experienced these symptoms for. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are other options to help manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy. The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate in particular because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate diagnostic tests. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is an actual science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.