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5 Clarifications Regarding Diagnosis ADHD
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at 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 were spoken to.

Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?

Why do provate adhd diagnosis require an appointment with a private doctor?

If you or someone you love has ADHD You should find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many people feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they 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 quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they were not.

A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend a full diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then conduct a detailed examination of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and then given a treatment plan.

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

What happens if I don't get an appointment?

A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private providers for their evaluation. This could save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. This could include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family background and medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD rating scales and ask your teachers or caregivers to rate you.

When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look at 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 these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social life background to rule out issues like financial hardship, the history of abuse and alcohol or drug abuse.

During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.

Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medications in this manner. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.

What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?

It's worth remembering that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate for you.

If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain the reason. It may be because you did not provide enough information about your issues or they believe another condition explains your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis you may seek a second opinion from a different doctor or use the NHS complaints process.

It is important to remember that your physician might find the process of assessing challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and this is not the fault of the individuals who are involved.

GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the standards of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.

The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics use shortcut diagnostic methods, which could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to look at alternatives.

It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is particularly true if they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other social or health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and can provide support and treatment for your problems. Contact us today or make an appointment online to learn what we can do to help.

What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication?

You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but do not want to take medication. The NHS offers 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 through the 'Right To Choose option which is more efficient.

Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will allow your doctor to know how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential that you give truthful and accurate information.


If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.

The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take a medication. Depending on the severity 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. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to say this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely is a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it can make sense to get an individual assessment.

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