The Story Behind Diagnosis ADHD Will Haunt You Forever! ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

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

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

What is the reason I need a private diagnosis?

If you think you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can evaluate your health and provide the proper treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run.

There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands 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. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.

In the face of these challenges it's not surprising that more adults are opting to go for a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD when, in fact they didn't.

A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening which you'll be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results of these tests help the doctor determine if you are a candidate for an appointment for diagnosis.

The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive tests. Based on your specific circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will write to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.

What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?

In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and difficult. Some adults can't wait that long and instead turn to private providers for their evaluation. This could save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis.

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

When assessing adult ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your social and work history to rule out problems such as financial hardship or an abuse history, and drug or alcohol misuse.

During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you disagree with their decision.

People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication in this way. However, GPs have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and because it's expensive.

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

Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest other treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you.

If your clinician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. adhd uk diagnosis may be because you did not provide enough information about your issues or they believe that a different condition can explain your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome, you can ask for an alternative opinion from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.

No matter if you opt for private or use NHS services the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the individuals involved.

GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must make sure they offer a robust, fair and safe 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 could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a real reason to look at other options.

It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female at birth or has any other health and social circumstances that can influence how medical professionals view their symptoms.

We can help you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your concerns. Contact us or make an appointment online to learn how we can help.

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


You can receive a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right to choose option, which is much more efficient.

Your appointment will comprise an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.

If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication before making an informed decision. The effects of medications are long-lasting, and may cause serious adverse effects if taken incorrectly.

The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been suffering from these symptoms for. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are non-pharmacological options to help 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, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, then it is possible to pay for an individual assessment.