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

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were listened to.

Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But does it work?

Why do I require an individual diagnostic?

If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can assess your health and provide the appropriate treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however 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 current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.

In the face of these problems, it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to go for an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and told patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in reality they didn't.

A private assessment will typically begin with a set of screening questionnaires you will be asked to fill out and submit to the doctor. 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 a diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then conduct an in-depth examination of your medical and family history, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive test. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.

If how to get an adhd diagnosis uk are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will submit paperwork to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This allows 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 if required.

What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?

In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and painful. Some adults can't wait this long and turn to private professionals for an assessment. This could save time and frustration but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination as well as tests like hearing or vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family background and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They might also utilize standard ADHD rating scales and may want to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.

When assessing adult adhd diagnosis uk with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to interfere in the home or in the workplace. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also look at your work and social history to rule out any issues like financial hardship, the history of abuse and alcohol or drug abuse.

During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their conclusion.

If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. This is how many adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, GPs have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and also because it is expensive.

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

Remember that your doctor must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest other diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.

If your clinician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons why. It may be due to your inability to provide enough information about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with this choice, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different physician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.

Whether you go private or use NHS healthcare the wait time for an assessment can be long and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. This isn't because of the people involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service delivery is stretched to its limits.

GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a solid, fair and safe service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.

Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national issue, and a very real reason to consider alternatives.

It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true when they are of a minority ethnic background or were born female or have other health and social circumstances that influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

We can help you if find your life negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss how we might be able to assist.

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

If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to take medication, it's possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England, or through the 'Right To Choose option which is faster.

Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a medical interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will allow your clinician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will look at your experiences in the past and your family history. It is important to provide truthful and accurate answers.

If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they 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 implications of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and be harmful if used in a safe manner.

The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for. It is important to also 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 treat ADHD has sparked controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We're hesitant to claim that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact and psychiatry is not a science at all. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and are let down by the NHS wait times, it is possible to pay for an assessment with a private practitioner.