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Question: How Much Do You Know About Diagnosis ADHD?
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

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

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

Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?

If you or someone you love has ADHD It is important to find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe best treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS but private diagnosis may be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.

There are some concerns about the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.

In light of these challenges it's not a surprise that more people are opting to undergo a private assessment. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone and told patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact, they did not.

A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.

The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history, as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and then given a treatment plan.

After adhd diagnosis in adults are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will send paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be necessary.

What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?

A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private providers for their evaluation. adhd undiagnosed in adults could save you time and frustration, but it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This may include a physical exam and tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family history, as well as medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD ratings scales, and may need to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.

When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your social and work history to rule out any issues like financial hardship or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.

During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. adhd undiagnosed in adults may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their decision.

If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person to share management via the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's costly.

What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?

It's worth remembering that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.

If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain why. You may have not given enough details about your difficulties or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure.

Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS healthcare waiting times for an assessment could be lengthy and it's worth considering that your doctor might find the process frustrating. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the individuals involved.


GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.

The Panorama expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to consider other options.

It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other social or health circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and can provide support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us or make an appointment online to find out how we can help.

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

You can be diagnosed 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 from your doctor to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right to Choose route which is faster.

Your appointment will comprise an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. 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 consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.

If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can give you a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.

The psychiatrist will provide you with an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take medication. You may be given ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. However, it's important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy in particular because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.

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