Seven Explanations On Why Diagnosis ADHD Is So Important ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

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

Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?

Why do I need an individual diagnostic?

If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD It is essential to find a doctor who can accurately assess your condition and provide the proper treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save both time and money.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Many people also think that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.

It's not surprising, then, that more adults choose to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD even though they weren't.

A private examination will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires that you must complete and return to your doctor. The screenings are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you need to attend an entire diagnostic appointment.

The physician will then conduct an in-depth review of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. Based on your situation, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is necessary.

What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?

In the case of ADHD an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long to look for private doctors to determine their situation. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis.

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

When evaluating adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are severe enough to cause disruption in work or home life. They will also check whether the symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also review your work and social life history to rule out problems like financial hardship or an abuse history, and alcohol or drug abuse.


During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.

People who receive an official 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. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's costly.

What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?

It's worth remembering that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you.

If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain why. It may be due to your inability to provide enough information about your struggles or they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with this choice then you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

It is important to be aware that your physician may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the individuals who are involved.

GPs also face challenges in navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must ensure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the standards of shared care prescribing that are set by the GMC.

The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put patients in danger. This is a national catastrophe and a real reason to consider other options.

It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other health and social circumstances that can affect how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your issues. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a an email to find out what we can do to help.

What happens when you don't wish me to take my medication?

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to receive a diagnosis without taking medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.

Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is important to give accurate and honest answers.

If www.iampsychiatry.com determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.

The psychiatrist will provide you with an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you have been experiencing them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. It is also important to keep in mind 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 that diagnose ADHD has sparked controversy, especially because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as an academic discipline. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to take out an assessment with a private practitioner.