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Who Is Diagnosis ADHD And Why You Should Care
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments at private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it effective?

Why do I require a private diagnosis?

If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a professional who can evaluate your condition and provide the necessary treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS but an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.

There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Many people also believe that the NHS assessment services are not as good as they could be.

In the face of these issues, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to undergo a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and telling patients that they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't.

A private assessment will typically start with a series of screening questions that you are asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then conduct a thorough assessment of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and then given a treatment plan.

After you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will forward paperwork to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.

What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?

If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an assessment. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This may include a medical exam and tests like hearing or vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.

When assessing how to get an adult adhd diagnosis , the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.

During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.

People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication this way. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive.

What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.

If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. It may be due to your inability to provide enough information about your difficulties or because they believe that a different condition can explain your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with this decision you may seek another opinion from a different physician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.


It's important to consider that your physician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this isn't the fault of the individuals involved.

GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure they offer a robust and safe, fair and fair service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to look at alternative options.

It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth or has other social and health issues which can affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.

If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to address your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a phone to discuss what we can do to assist you.

What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right to Choose route which is faster.

Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is essential that you give truthful and accurate information.

If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an diagnosis. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. The effects of medications are long-lasting, and may have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.

The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is important to also keep in mind that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result of insufficient clinical assessments. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an actual science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.

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