Who's The Most Renowned Expert On Diagnosis ADHD? ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?

Why do I need an individual diagnosis?

If you think you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a specialist who can assess your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.

There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months for an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Additionally, many believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.

In the light of these challenges it's not surprising that more people are opting to go for an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD when, in fact they didn't.

A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires, which you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results aid the clinician determine if you are a candidate for an appointment to diagnose.

The doctor will then conduct a detailed assessment of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will forward paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.

What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?

If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

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

When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to affect the family or work environment. They will also look at whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your work and social life history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties, a history of abuse, 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 do not meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.

If how to get an adult adhd diagnosis are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medications. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.

What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

It is important to remember that your doctor must be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, they might suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.

If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain the reason. It may be due to your inability to provide enough details about your issues or they believe another condition explains your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different physician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

No matter if you opt for private or use NHS healthcare, the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy and it's worth pondering that your doctor may find the process difficult. This is not because of the patients affected, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limit.


GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to think about alternatives.

It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive the diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of minority ethnicity, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that can influence how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.

how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can assist you if think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and can provide support and treatment for your problems. Contact us or request an appointment online to learn how we can assist you.

What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?

You can be diagnosed in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't need to take any medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England or by the 'Right to Choose' pathway which is faster.

Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and the completion of some validated assessments. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your past experiences and your family history. It is crucial that you give honest and truthful information.

If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD If they determine that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they will provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is crucial to think about the implications of taking any medication prior to making a decision. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.

The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it may be recommended to take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused controversy, particularly because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We are reticent to say that this isn't the case since humans are incredibly inexact and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.