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Why You Should Be Working With This 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 carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it effective?

Why do I need a private diagnostic?

If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a professional who can accurately assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS but private diagnosis may be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.

There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.

It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to get a private evaluation. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and told patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.

additional resources will usually begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you must complete and return to the clinician. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.

The physician will then conduct a thorough assessment of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The doctor will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private clinician to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, if required.

What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?

A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private providers for their assessment. This could save time and stress, but it's important to understand that this isn't 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 could include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales of rating and ask your teachers or caregivers to rate you.

When evaluating adult ADHD The healthcare professional will look for five or more symptom over six months that are serious enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also look to determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.

People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis 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 medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.

What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?

It is important to remember that your doctor should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you.

If your physician determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. It could be because you did not provide enough details about your difficulties or because they believe another condition explains your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints process.

Whether you go private or access NHS care the wait time 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 individuals involved, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limit.

GPs are trying to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national scourge and a valid reason to consider alternatives.

It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has any other social and health issues that affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.


We can help if you find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors 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 call to see what we can do to assist you.

What happens if I don't want to take medication?

If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without taking medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to send you to one of the centers for specialists in England or follow the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.

Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and certain validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to know the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The doctor will take into consideration your past experiences and your family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers.

If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can be dangerous in the event of a misjudgment.

When you choose to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you a plan and a prescription. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient evaluations of clinical conditions. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as an academic discipline. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and you are being frustrated by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to pay for a private assessment.

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