Why You'll Definitely Want To Learn More About Diagnosis ADHD
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were reported. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers contacted.
Many people are required to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it work?
Why do I require a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to use the NHS however, private diagnosis may be more effective and save you both time and money in the end.
There are some concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, and this could cause a lot of distress for those suffering. Furthermore, a lot of people think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.
In light of these problems it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to undergo an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran assessments over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they weren't.
A private examination will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results are used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then conduct a detailed review of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD The doctor will send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'shared care agreement'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private clinician to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy in the event that it is necessary.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Some adults cannot wait that long and seek out private specialists to determine their health. This can save time and stress, but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the test will also ask about your family background and social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD ratings scales, and may want to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more signs over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your social and work history to rule out any issues like financial hardship or an abuse history, and drug or 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 fit the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you are able to request a new assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.
If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication in this way. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If
diagnosed with adult adhd isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other treatment options that are more suitable for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will explain the reasons why. It could be due to your inability to provide enough details about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you are not happy with this decision you may seek another opinion from a different clinician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your physician may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the people involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service delivery is stretched to the limit.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated 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 meet the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.

Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put patients in danger. This is a national scourge and a valid reason to consider alternative options.
It is important to remember that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to be given an assessment. This is especially true if the person is a member of a minority group or was a female at birth or has any other health and social circumstances that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.
We can help you if think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide support and treatment for your issues. Contact us or make an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you.
What happens when 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. 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 comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your physician understand how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will take into account your past experiences and family history. It is crucial that you give honest and truthful information.
If a doctor determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. Before deciding, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medication. The effects of a medication are long-lasting, and may cause serious adverse effects when taken improperly.
The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan should you choose to take a medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've experienced them. It is important to also keep in mind that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that treat ADHD has sparked controversy, especially because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.