How To Become A Prosperous Diagnosis ADHD When You're Not Business-Savvy ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private exam. But does it work?

Why do I need a private diagnostic?

If you think you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can accurately assess your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save both time and money.

There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.

It's not a surprise, then, that more adults choose to get a private evaluation. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the telephone and then told patients they had ADHD when they weren't.

A private assessment typically begins with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then conduct an in-depth review of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and then given a treatment plan.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while you see your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.

What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?

A good diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and difficult. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private specialists for their assessment. This can help save time and frustration, but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also inquire about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales of rating, and may ask your caregivers or teachers to evaluate you.

When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs within a period of six months that are severe enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social life background to rule out issues such as financial hardship, the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse.

During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.


Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this information with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive.

What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your doctor must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.

If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain why. You may not have provided enough information about your struggles or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're unhappy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from another clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure.

It's important to consider that your clinician might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. This is not because of the patients involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.

GPs also struggle to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must make sure they provide a solid safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.

The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to look at alternatives.

It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is particularly true if they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other social and health situations that could affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively affected, we are here to help. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and can provide support and treatment for your problems. You can call us or make an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you.

What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?

If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England, or through the 'Right to choose route, which is much more efficient.

Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your physician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will take into account your past experiences and family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers.

If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could have serious side-effects if not used in a safe manner.

If adhd diagnosis uk decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. You may be given ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing them. It is essential to remember 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 diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that people are being falsely diagnosed because of insufficient clinical assessments. We're not sure that this does not happen because we are inexact, and psychiatry barely a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, then it is possible to get a private assessment.