Are Diagnosis ADHD The Greatest Thing There Ever Was
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were listened to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a doctor who can evaluate your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the end.
There are some concerns about the capacity of the NHS 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. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as high as it could be.
In the light of these issues it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to go for an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics had rushed through tests over the phone and then told patients they had ADHD when they were not.
A private assessment usually starts with a series of questionnaires for screening, which you will be asked to complete and send to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then conduct an in-depth review of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and then given a treatment plan.
If you are 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 charge) while also seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy if needed.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
If you suffer from ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private specialists to determine their health. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories as well as your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales of rating and may also request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.
When assessing adult ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs over six months that are serious enough to interfere with the demands of work or at home. They will also look at whether the symptoms are related to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. adhd diagnosis uk adults will also assess your social and work history to rule out any issues such as financial hardship or the history of abuse and alcohol or drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.

Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to share it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication in this way. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't in agreement with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate for you.
If your doctor finds that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis They will provide the reasons for this. It could be that you haven't given enough details about your difficulties or they might believe that another condition better explains your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the decision, you can seek another opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints process.
Whether you go private or use NHS healthcare, the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy, and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. The NHS is overstretched and this isn't the fault of the individuals involved.
GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service and that they meet the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which can put patients in danger. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a valid reason to consider other options.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth, or has other social and health issues which can affect the way that medical professionals evaluate their symptoms.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide support and treatment for your difficulties. You can call us or make an appointment online to learn how we can help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?
You can receive a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to recommend you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to determine the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily life. The clinician will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is essential that you provide truthful and accurate information.
If the doctor decides that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is crucial to think about the implications of taking any medication before making a decision. The effects of medications are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects when taken improperly.
If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. However, it's important to remember that there are alternatives to medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, particularly because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result of insufficient clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry rarely qualifies as an actual science. If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are annoyed by the NHS waiting times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment.