10 Life Lessons We Can Take From 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 medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people have no choice but to pay for a private assessment. But does it actually work?

Why do I need an individual diagnosis?

If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.

There are concerns regarding the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.


It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the telephone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they were not.

A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. These results help the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose.

The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with a request for a'shared-care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.

What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?

In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and frustrating. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their assessment. adhd diagnosis adults can save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This can include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. This will include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales of rating and may also request your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.

When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also check whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out issues such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction.

During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.

People who receive a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication in this way. However, GPs have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the disorder and because it is expensive.

What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?

It is important to remember that your doctor should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.

If your clinician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will give the reasons. It could be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your struggles or they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints process.

It is important to be aware that your clinician may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. This is not because of the individuals affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.

GPs are trying to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.

The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics employ techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and could put patients at risk. This is a national catastrophe and an excellent reason to look at other options.

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

We can help if you think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can provide support and treatment for your issues. Contact us or request an appointment online to learn how we can assist you.

What happens If you don't wish me to take my medication?

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right to Choose route, which is much quicker.

Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily activities. The doctor will take into consideration your past experiences and your family history. It is crucial that you give accurate and truthful responses.

If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. The effects of a medication are long-lasting, and may cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.

The doctor will issue you an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take a medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, as well as the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is important to also be aware of other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy in particular because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.