Why You'll Definitely Want To Learn More About Diagnosis ADHD
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs after unreliable video call assessments at private clinics according to an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of patients are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it effective?
Why do I need an appointment with a private doctor?
If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can evaluate your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more effective and save you time and money in the end.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. Many believe that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.

It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to undergo a private examination. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and told patients they had ADHD when, in fact they didn't.
A private assessment usually starts with a series of screening questions which you'll be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine whether you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend an appointment to diagnose.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as and the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward paperwork to your GP to sign a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment?
A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Some adults cannot wait that long and look for private doctors to assess their situation. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to note that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. This will include check-lists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD scales of rating and request your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also assess your social and work history to rule out problems like financial hardship, an abuse history, and alcohol or drug misuse.
During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately can decide to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication in this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your clinician should be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more suitable for you.
If your doctor determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. It could be due to your inability to give enough detail about your struggles or they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the outcome then you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It's important to consider that your doctor may find the process of assessment frustrating, whether you choose private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the people involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to its limits.
GPs also have to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must make sure they provide a solid safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for shared care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. how to get adult adhd diagnosis is a national catastrophe and a valid reason to think about other options.
It is also important to remember that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other social or health circumstances that can influence how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
We can assist you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. You can request an appointment online or give us a call to see what we can do to assist.
What happens when 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 receive a diagnosis without taking medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right To Choose option which is more efficient.
Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will help your physician to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your past experiences and your family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful 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 a diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. This is because the effects of medications can be long-term and may be harmful if taken properly.
When you choose to take medication, your doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it might be recommended that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it is also important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, like exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We are hesitant to say that this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an actual science. However, if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it is possible to get an individual assessment.