Why You Should Be Working With This Diagnosis ADHD ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to.

Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does find out here work?

Why do I need a private diagnostic?

If you or someone you love has ADHD, you should find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save both time and money.

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 very difficult for those affected. Many people also think that the NHS assessment services aren't as good as they could be.

It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they weren't.

A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.

The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The clinician will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if required.

What is the outcome if I fail to get 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 frustrating. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private providers for their assessment. This can save time and stress, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They might also employ the standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to request your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.

When evaluating adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to interfere with the demands of work or at home. They will also look to determine if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also evaluate your professional and social background to rule out issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse.


During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.

If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide 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 in 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?

It's worth remembering that your doctor must be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.

If your physician finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. It could be due to your inability to provide enough details about your difficulties or because they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with this choice, you can ask for another opinion from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.

It is important to remember that your doctor might find the process of assessing frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and this is not the fault of the individuals who are involved.

GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a solid and safe, fair and fair service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.

The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics use techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and could put patients at risk. This is a national scourge and a compelling reason to consider alternative options.

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

If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your problems. You can call us or request an appointment online to find out how we can assist you.

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

You can receive a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't need to take any medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or via the 'Right to Choose option which is quicker.

Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and some validated tests. This will enable your doctor to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers.

If the doctor decides 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 taking medication. Before deciding it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.

If you decide to use medication, your doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been suffering from them, it might be recommended to take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient evaluations of clinical conditions. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen because we are inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting time, it could be a good idea to pay for an assessment.