15 Things You Didn't Know About 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 assessments at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tips received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers contacted.

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

Why do I require an individual diagnosis?

If you or someone you love has ADHD You should consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the best treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run.

There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Many believe that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.

It's not surprising, then that more adults opt to have a private assessment. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone and told patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.

A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed to see if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results of these tests help the doctor 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 daily life. The doctor will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter 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 personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy if needed.

What happens if undiagnosed adhd in adults don't get a diagnosis?

In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to wait that long and look for private doctors to evaluate their health. This could 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 experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical exam and tests like hearing or vision. This could include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history, as well as social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD scales for rating and may also ask your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.

When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to interfere in the family or work environment. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your work and social history to rule out problems such as financial difficulties or a history of abuse, and drug or 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 explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.

Individuals who have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. However, GPs have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they do not specialise in the condition and because it's costly.

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

Remember that your therapist must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.

If your clinician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will explain the reasons why. You may have not given enough details about your struggles or they may think that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the diagnosis you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints process.

If you choose to go private or use NHS healthcare waiting times for an appointment can be lengthy, and it's worth pondering that your clinician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the individuals involved.

GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.

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 issue and a compelling reason to think about alternatives.

It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to be given the diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are ethnically minorities or were born female or have other social and health situations that could affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a call to see what we can do to help.

What happens if I don't want to take a medication?

You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England or via the 'Right to choose' pathway which is a lot more efficient.

Your appointment will comprise an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your clinician know the way these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your past experiences and your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful responses.

If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before making a decision, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. The effects of a medication last for a long time, and they can be dangerous in the event of a misjudgment.

When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will give you the prescription and plan. You could be given ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. However, it is also important to remember that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy in particular because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate diagnostic tests. We hesitate to say this isn't the case because we aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an actual science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.