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Five Things You're Not Sure About About 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 strong drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation took place after tips were reported. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.

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

Why do I need an individual diagnostic?

If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can accurately assess your health and provide the appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. Many feel that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.

In the face of these problems, it's not surprising that more adults are opting to undergo a private assessment. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not.

A private assessment will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires you must complete and return to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results can be used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.

The physician will then conduct an in-depth examination of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.

After you've been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, if required.

What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?

In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private providers to evaluate their health. This could save time and stress, but it's important to understand 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 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 history, as well as medical and social history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.

When assessing adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptom over six months that are serious enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also check whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse.

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

People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can decide to share it with their GP. adhd uk diagnosis can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's costly.

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

It's worth remembering that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.

If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain why. You may have not provided enough information about your issues or they might believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with the outcome then you can seek an alternative opinion from a different clinician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.


It is important to be aware that your clinician may find the process of assessment difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. The NHS is overstretched and it's not the fault of the individuals affected.

GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.

The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to consider alternative options.

It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity or born female or have other social or health circumstances that affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

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

What happens when you don't want me take my medication?

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or via the 'Right to choose' pathway which is faster.

Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your clinician determine 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 to provide accurate and truthful responses.

If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is crucial to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. The effects of medication last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects if taken incorrectly.

When you choose to take medication, the doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been experiencing 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 behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed because of insufficient clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be a good idea to pay for an assessment.

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