Who Is Diagnosis ADHD And Why You Should Be Concerned ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed strong drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted following tips received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers spoke to.

Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work?

What is the reason I need an individual diagnosis?

If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is essential to find a professional who can evaluate your health and provide the appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS but a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you time and money in the end.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.

In the face of these issues, it's not surprising that more adults are opting to undergo a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the telephone and told patients they were ADHD when they were not.

A private assessment usually begins with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule a 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 clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward documents to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if required.

What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?

In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private providers to evaluate their situation. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the evaluation will also ask you about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD rating scales and may also ask your caregivers or teachers 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 are serious enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out issues such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drug and alcohol misuse.

During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. You can request a second assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.

Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication this way. However, doctors have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and because it's costly.

What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?

Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you.

If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain the reason. You may have not given enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you are not happy with this choice you may seek an additional opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

It is important to be aware that your physician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people involved.

GPs also have to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must make sure they provide a reliable, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to think about other 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 a member of a minority group or was a female when they were born. birth or has any other health and social circumstances which can affect the way medical professionals perceive 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 doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. You can request an appointment online or give us a call to see what we can do to assist you.

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

You can receive a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or use the 'Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.

Your appointment will include an authenticated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your past experiences and your family history. It is important that you provide accurate and truthful responses.

If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with an diagnosis. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before you make a decision, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using the medication. adult adhd diagnosis uk of medications are long-term, and can be dangerous when taken improperly.

If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will give you an outline of the treatment and a prescription. Depending on the severity your symptoms, as well as the length of time you have been experiencing them, it could be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.


The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely is an academic discipline. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it might be a good idea to pay for an assessment.