The Hidden Secrets Of Diagnosis ADHD ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

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

Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. 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 your condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you time and money in the long run.

There are concerns regarding the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services is not quite as high as it should be.

In the light of these issues, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the telephone and told patients they were ADHD when they weren't.

A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose.

The physician will then conduct an in-depth review of your family and medical history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also conduct a physical exam and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.

After you've been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with a request for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy if needed.

What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?

A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Some adults are unable to wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their assessment. This can help save time and frustration, but it's important to understand that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis.

A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist on 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 who is conducting the test will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They may also utilize standardized ADHD rating scales and may want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for their ratings, too.

When evaluating adults with ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are serious enough to disrupt your work or family life. They will also look to determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out problems such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drug and alcohol misuse.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they think that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.

If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication in this way. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive.

What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?

It's worth remembering that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant difficulties for people and families. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.

If your doctor decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It could be that you haven't given enough details about your issues or they might believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If how to get an adult adhd diagnosis 're not satisfied with this choice, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different clinician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.

No matter if you opt for private or access NHS services waiting times for an assessment can be lengthy and it's worth considering that your doctor might find the process frustrating. adhd diagnosis uk adults is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people affected.

GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they provide a solid, fair and safe service and that they meet the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.

The Panorama exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize quick diagnostic techniques, which 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 as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a minority ethnicity or was a female at birth or has other health and social circumstances that can influence how medical professionals view their symptoms.


If you're struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your concerns. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a phone to discuss what we can do to assist you.

What happens if I don't want to take medication?

You can be diagnosed if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the centers that specialize in England or go through the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.

Your appointment will include a validated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into account your past experiences and family history. It is essential that you provide truthful and accurate information.

If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication before making the decision. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if used in a safe manner.

The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've experienced 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 diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is a science. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, then it is possible to pay for an individual assessment.