The People Closest To Diagnosis ADHD Share Some Big Secrets 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 drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.

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

Why do I require a private diagnostic?

If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can accurately assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS but private diagnosis may be more effective and save you both time and money in the end.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. Many people also think that the NHS assessment services aren't as effective as they could be.

It's not surprising, then that more people choose to undergo a private examination. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD when they were not.

A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to fill out and send to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. These results aid the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule a diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then review your medical history and family history, as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan.

After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be needed.

What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?

In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private providers for their assessment. This can save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing or vision. It will also include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family history and your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They might also use standardized ADHD rating scales and might want to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.

When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to affect the family or work environment. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also assess your work and social history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.

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

People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive.

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

It is important to remember that your doctor must be respectful and empathetic to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for people and families. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.

If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will then explain the reason. It may be because you did not provide enough details about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with this decision, you can ask for another opinion from a different physician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.

It is important to be aware that your clinician might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. This isn't due to the people affected, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits.

GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must make sure they offer a robust, fair and safe service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.


The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to think about alternatives.

It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to be given an assessment. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background or born female or have other health and social circumstances that can influence how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.

We can assist you if feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. Contact us today or request an appointment online to find out how we can assist you.

What is the consequence if I don't want to take 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 provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England or by the 'Right to choose route, which is much more efficient.

Iam Psychiatry will include an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and certain validated assessments. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will take into account your past experiences and family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.

If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the implications of taking any medication before making a decision. The effects of medication are long-lasting, and may cause serious adverse effects if taken incorrectly.

The psychiatrist will give you the prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You may be given ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based 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 help manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, in particular because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is an academic discipline. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.