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10 Steps To Begin Your Own Diagnosis ADHD Business
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.

Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it actually work?

Why do I need an individual diagnostic?

If diagnosis of adhd or someone you love has ADHD, you should consult a specialist who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.

There are some concerns about the capacity 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. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.

It's not surprising, then, that more adults choose to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and told patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.

A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to see if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results will assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment.

The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history, as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a request to sign a'shared care contract'. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.

What happens if I do not receive an appointment?

If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long to look for private doctors to assess their situation. This could save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.

A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical examination and tests, such as hearing and vision. It may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family background and your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.

When assessing adhd diagnosis will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to interfere in the family or work environment. They will also determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social life history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.

During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.

If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this information with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management under the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.

What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.

If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain the reason. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with the outcome, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.


If you choose to go private or use NHS care the wait time for an assessment could be long and it's important to consider that your clinician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people affected.

GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.

Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize quick diagnostic techniques, which can put patients in danger. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to consider alternative options.

It is also important to note that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is a member of a minority group or was a female at birth or has any other health or social issues that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.

We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. You can make an appointment via our website or give us call to see how we might be able to assist you.

What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?

You can get a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or by the 'Right To Choose route which is quicker.

Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and some validated tests. diagnosing adhd will help your physician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into account your previous experiences and family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful answers.

If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before deciding it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner.

The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the amount of time you've 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, like diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate diagnostic tests. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry barely is an academic discipline. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.

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