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

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

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private examination. But does it work?

Why do I need a private diagnostic?

If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to seek out a professional who can accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS but an individual diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely stressful for those affected. Many people think that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.

It's not a surprise, then, that more adults choose to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they had ADHD when, in fact they didn't.

A private assessment usually starts with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results of these tests help the doctor determine if you are a candidate for an appointment for diagnosis.

The doctor will then review your medical history and family history, as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a form to sign a'shared care contract'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be necessary.

What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?

In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis cannot wait that long to look for private doctors to assess their health. This can save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This may include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. 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 use standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.

When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in work or family life. They will also determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your professional and social background to rule out issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.

People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive.

What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?

It is important to remember that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.

If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain why. It could be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your issues or they believe another condition explains your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the outcome you may seek an alternative opinion from a different physician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

Whether you go private or use NHS care, the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy and it's important to consider that your clinician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the individuals involved.

GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.

The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and could put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to consider alternative options.

It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth or has any other health or social issues that affect the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.

We can help if you think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your concerns. Contact us or make an appointment online to discuss how we can assist you.

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

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

Your appointment will comprise a validated assessment as well as a medical interview and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will take into account your past experiences and family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers.

If the doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an assessment. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is important to think about the consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not 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. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. 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 generated controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as the result inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We're not sure that this does not happen, because humans are awfully inexact, and psychiatry barely a science. However, if you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS wait times, then it can make sense to take out an assessment with a private practitioner.