You'll Be Unable To Guess Diagnosis ADHD's Secrets ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But is it effective?

Why do I require a private diagnosis?

If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and provide the proper treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS but an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the end.

There are some concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. Many people also feel that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.

It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to get a private evaluation. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD when, in fact, they did not.

A private assessment usually starts with a series of questionnaires for screening which you'll be asked to fill out and then submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.


The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.

After you've been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be needed.

What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?

A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Many adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private providers for their assessment. This can save time and frustration, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.

A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family background and your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They might also employ standard ADHD rating scales and might need to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.

When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drug and alcohol misuse.

During your NHS assessment, you will be told 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 can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.

If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medication. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.

What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

It's worth remembering that your doctor should be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant difficulties for people and families. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest other diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.

If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It could be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your issues or they believe another condition explains your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome then you can seek an additional opinion from a different physician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

If you choose to go private or take advantage of NHS healthcare the wait time for an assessment could be long and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. This isn't because of the people involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to the limit.

GPs also struggle to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to look at other options.

It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities, assigned female at birth or have other social or health circumstances that can affect how medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.

We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your issues. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out what we can do to help.

What is how to get an adult adhd diagnosis if I don't wish to take medication?

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers for specialists in England or go through the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.

Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinical interview and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your physician know how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The doctor will also consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is crucial that you give honest and truthful information.

If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be able to provide you with an 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 a decision. The effects of medications are long-lasting, and may have serious side effects if taken incorrectly.

If you decide to take medication, the doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. It is important to also keep in mind that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked controversy, especially because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry only a flimsy science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to pay for an individual assessment.