20 Reasons Why Diagnosis ADHD Will Never Be Forgotten
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was carried out 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 does it actually work?
Why do I require an appointment with a private doctor?
If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to find a doctor who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the best treatment. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk prefer to utilize 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 cope with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment, which can be a source of stress for those suffering. Many people think that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.
It's not surprising, therefore that more people choose to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not.

A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questionnaires that you are asked to complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you show symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history, as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also carry out 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, your clinician will forward documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, if needed.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
A clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private specialists to determine their situation. This can help save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family background and medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales for rating and may also ask your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.
When assessing adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptoms over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also look to determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out issues like financial difficulties and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their decision.
Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this information with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition or because it's costly.
What do I do if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor must be empathetic and respectful of your concerns and feelings. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other treatments or diagnoses that may be more appropriate for you.
If your clinician finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons why. It could be due to your inability to provide enough information about your struggles or they believe another condition explains your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome you may seek an additional opinion from a different clinician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to remember that your doctor might find the process of assessing difficult, regardless of whether you select private care or NHS care. This isn't because of the people affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, as well as meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a real reason to think about other options.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma attached to being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of a minority ethnic background, assigned female at birth or have other social and health circumstances that influence how medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.
We can help if you feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your concerns. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a call to see what we can do to help.
What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not wish to use medication, it is possible to get a diagnosis without the need for medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the centers that specialize in England or use the 'Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an assessment that is validated, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily activities. The clinician will consider your past experiences and family history. It is important that you give truthful and accurate information.
If the doctor decides that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. The effects of a medication last for a long time, and they can be dangerous if taken incorrectly.
When you choose to take medication, the psychiatrist will provide you with a plan and a prescription. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the duration of time you've been experiencing them, it may be recommended that you take ADHD medication for an extended period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy in particular because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We are reticent to say that this does not happen because we are inexact creatures and psychiatry is barely a science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.