Five Qualities That People Search For In Every Diagnosis ADHD ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call assessments in private clinics, an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.

Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?

Why do I need an individual diagnosis?

If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, you should find a doctor who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save both time and money.

There are some concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Many people believe that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.

In the light of these problems it's not surprising that more people are opting to go for an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they were not.

A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questionnaires that you must fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results of these tests help the doctor determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose.

The doctor will then conduct an in-depth examination of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment plan.

After you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy if needed.

What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?

A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private providers for their assessment. This could save you time and stress, but it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family background and your social and medical history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standardized ADHD ratings scales, and may be able to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.

When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to affect work or family life. They will also check whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your social and work history to rule out any issues such as financial hardship, an abuse history, and alcohol or drug misuse.


During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.

If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medication. However, GPs have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the disorder and because it is expensive.

What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your therapist must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.

If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will explain why. It may be due to your inability to give enough detail about your difficulties or because they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with this decision you may seek an alternative opinion from a different physician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.

It's important to consider that your physician may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the patients involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS services are stretched to the limits.

GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC.

The Panorama exposé has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which can put patients in danger. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to look at alternative options.

It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth or has any other health or social issues that can influence the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.

If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us today or make an appointment online to learn what we can do to help.

What is the consequence if I don't want to take a medication?

You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms, but don't need to take any medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right to Choose route, which is much faster.

Your appointment will consist of an assessment that is validated as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to understand 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 to provide truthful and accurate information.

If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking any medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.

If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. You may be given ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing them. It is also important to be aware of other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. diagnosis for adhd include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to claim that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is an actual science. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, then it is possible to take out a private assessment.