Ten Common Misconceptions About Diagnosis ADHD That Aren't Always True ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation occurred after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people have no choice but to pay for a private exam. But is it effective?

What is the reason I need a private diagnosis?

If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.

There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Many people think that the NHS assessment services aren't as effective as they could be.

It's not surprising, then, that more adults choose to get a private evaluation. However, adult adhd diagnosis uk has raised grave concerns about the quality of care at some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and telling patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.

A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questionnaires that you are asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to see if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then review your medical background and family history, as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. The doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment plan.

After you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will write to your GP with a request for a 'shared care agreement'. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is required.

What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment?

A good diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their evaluation. This can save time and stress, but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

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

When evaluating adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also look to determine whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse.

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

People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately can choose to discuss it 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 in this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.

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

Remember that your therapist must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.

If your doctor determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. It may be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your issues or they believe that a different condition can explain your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the diagnosis you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints process.

It's important to consider that your clinician might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the people who are involved.

GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.

The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put patients in danger. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to think about alternatives.

It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group or was a female when they were born. birth, or has other health and social circumstances that affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.


If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively affected, we are here to help. Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us or make an appointment online to find out how we can assist you.

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

You can receive a diagnosis when 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 doctor to recommend you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.

Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your clinician understand the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is essential to provide truthful and accurate answers.

If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be in a position to give you an diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and be harmful if used in a safe manner.

If you decide to take medication, the doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. It is also important to be aware of other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet 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 being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen since humans are incredibly inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might be a good idea to pay for an assessment.