Notes

This Is How Diagnosis ADHD Will Look In 10 Years' Time
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private examination. But does it work?

Why do I need a private diagnosis?

If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is often 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 often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those who suffer from the condition. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.

In the light of these problems, it's not surprising that more people are opting to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and told patients that they had ADHD when, in fact they didn't.

A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose.

The doctor will then conduct a detailed examination of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and then given a treatment plan.


After you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward documents 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 you see your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy if required.

What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?

A clear 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 can't wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their assessment. 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 with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This may include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. This will include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales for rating and request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.

When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to disrupt the demands of work or at home. They will also check whether these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also evaluate your professional and social background to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. how to get diagnosed with adhd will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.

If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. However, doctors have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the disorder and because it is expensive.

What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest other diagnoses or treatments that could 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 then explain the reason. It may be due to your inability to provide enough information about your struggles or they believe another condition explains your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints process.

No matter if you opt for private or take advantage of NHS services the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy, and it's important to consider that your doctor might find the process frustrating. This isn't due to the individuals affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit.

GPs also struggle to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, and meet the standards of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.

The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to look at alternatives.

It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.

If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. Contact us today or make an appointment online to find out how we can assist you.

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 need to take any medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right to Choose' pathway which is more efficient.

Your appointment will comprise a validated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician determine how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential to give accurate and honest answers.

If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not taken properly.

The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it could be recommended to take ADHD medication for a long period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise 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 misdiagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry rarely is an academic discipline. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to get an assessment with a private practitioner.

Website: https://www.adhddiagnosis.top/