Ten Diagnosis ADHD Myths You Should Never Share On Twitter ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs following unreliable video assessments at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.

Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it work?

Why do I need an individual diagnosis?

If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however an individual diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.


There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, which could cause a lot of distress for those who suffer from the condition. 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, therefore that more people choose to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not.

A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The tests are designed to see if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results of these tests help the doctor determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose.

The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive test. Depending on your circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.

If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your personal doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be required.

What happens if I do not receive an appointment?

A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private specialists for their assessment. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

how to get an adhd diagnosis uk who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can provide an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a physical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD scales of rating and request your teachers or caregivers to rate you.

When evaluating adults with ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms over six months that are severe enough to interfere with work or home life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships or abuse history, as well as drinking and drug addiction.

During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.

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

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

It's worth remembering that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.

If your clinician determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. You may not have provided enough information about your issues or they might believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the decision you may seek a second opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints procedure.

No matter if you opt for private or take advantage of NHS services the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the individuals affected.

GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must make sure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.

The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a real reason to consider alternatives.

It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive an assessment. This is especially true when they are ethnically minorities or were born female or have other social or health circumstances that affect the way medical professionals evaluate the symptoms they exhibit.

We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to help you overcome your issues. You can request an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss how we might be able to help.

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

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or by the 'Right to choose route, which is much faster.

Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and some validated assessments. This will help your clinician know how these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily routine. The doctor will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is important that you give accurate and truthful responses.

If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could be harmful if used in a safe manner.

If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You may be given ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for. It is important to also remember that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate in particular because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as an actual science. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to take out a private assessment.