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10 Quick Tips For Diagnosis ADHD
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and 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.

Many people are required to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?

Why do I require a private diagnostic?

If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is important to find a doctor who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS, private diagnosis may be more efficient and can save you both 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 distressing for those who are affected. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.

It's not surprising, therefore, that more adults 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 documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone, and were telling patients that they had ADHD when, in fact, they did not.

A private assessment usually starts with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.

The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history, as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The clinician will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will forward documentation to your GP to sign 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 doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, if required.

What happens if I don't receive an appointment?

A clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their evaluation. This could save time and stress, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis.

A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive 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 involve checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family background and your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD rating scales and may also ask your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.

When evaluating adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are serious enough to cause disruption in the demands of work or at home. They will also determine if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also assess your social and work history to rule out problems like financial hardship or a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.

Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medications in this manner. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the condition and also because it's expensive.

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

It is important to remember that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.

If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain why. It may be due to your inability to give enough detail about your difficulties or because they believe that a different condition can explain your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome you may seek an alternative opinion from a different doctor or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

find out here to consider that your clinician may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the individuals involved, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit.

find out here are also having difficulty navigating the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.

Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics employ techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put people in danger. This is a tragedy for the entire country and an excellent reason to look at alternatives.

It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities or were born female or have other social or health situations that could influence how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.


If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively affected, we are here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us or request an appointment online to learn how we can help.

What happens if you don't wish me to take my medication?

If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or use the 'Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.

Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will allow your doctor to determine how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The doctor will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is essential that you give honest and truthful information.

If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD They can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner.

The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has caused a lot of controversy in particular because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as an academic discipline. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it may be beneficial to pay for an assessment.

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