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What Is The Secret Life Of 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 after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But does it actually work?

Why do I need an individual diagnosis?

If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.

There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Many feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as effective as they could be.

It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD even though they were not.

A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questionnaires you must complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis.

The doctor will then review your medical history and family history, as in addition to the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while you see your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy if needed.

What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?

If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long to seek out private specialists to determine their condition. This can save time and frustration, but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis.

A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This may include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history and your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They may also employ standard ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.

When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also check whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out problems such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.

If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. However, GPs are known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and also because it's costly.

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

It's worth remembering that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.

If your clinician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they provide the reasons for this. It could be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough details about your struggles or they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with this choice you may seek another opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

diagnosing adhd is important to be aware that your physician may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the individuals who are involved.

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

The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which can put people in danger. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to consider alternative options.

It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has any other health and social circumstances that affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.

If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your issues. Contact us or make an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you.

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

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the centers for specialists in England or follow the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.

Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician determine the way these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The clinician will consider your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you give accurate and truthful responses.

If the doctor decides that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will give you a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner.


The psychiatrist will give you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for. It is also important to be aware of other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We're not sure that this doesn't happen since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to get an individual assessment.

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