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Where Can You Get The Most Effective Diagnosis ADHD Information?
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics as a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.

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

Why do I need a private diagnosis?

If IamPsychiatry or someone you know has ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who will accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.

In the light of these issues, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to go for an appointment with a private physician. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and told patients they had ADHD when, in fact, they did not.

A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then conduct a detailed review of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will send documentation to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while also seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy when required.

What is the outcome if I don't receive 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 down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their assessment. This could save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.

A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD rating scales and may need to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.

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 affect the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction.

During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.

If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share 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 medication this way. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the disorder and because it is expensive.

What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your therapist must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.

If your clinician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will explain the reasons why. You may have not provided enough information about your struggles or they might believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the decision you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure.

If you choose to go private or use NHS services waiting times for an assessment could be lengthy, and it's worth pondering the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched too thin and this isn't the fault of the people involved.


GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must make sure they provide a reliable, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.

The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and an excellent reason to consider other options.

It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social or health circumstances that influence how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.

We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and can provide support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us or request an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help.

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's possible to be diagnosed without the need for medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or via the 'Right To Choose' pathway which is a lot more efficient.

Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your clinician understand how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily routine. The doctor will take into account your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is essential that you give truthful and accurate information.

If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may 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 medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've experienced them. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an actual science. However, if you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to take out a private assessment.

Here's my website: https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment