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The People Closest To Diagnosis ADHD Tell You Some Big Secrets
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. 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 a lot of people are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really working?

Why do I need an individual diagnostic?

If you or someone you know has ADHD, you should seek out a professional who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe best treatment. Many people opt to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.

There are concerns that the NHS is unable to cope with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those suffering. In addition, many people think 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 people are opting to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. However, the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone and told patients they had ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.

A private assessment usually begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to see if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardized. The results can be used to help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.

The physician will then conduct a detailed examination of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations 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 and the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork for a 'shared care agreement'. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.

What happens if I do not receive an appointment?

In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be long and painful. Some adults are unable to wait that long to seek out private providers to determine their condition. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family medical and social history and your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD rating scales and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to evaluate 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 serious enough to cause disruption in the family or work environment. They will also determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also review your work and social life history to rule out problems like financial hardship, the history of abuse and drug or alcohol misuse.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.

If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. adhd in adults undiagnosed is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. However, doctors have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the disorder and because it's costly.

What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your therapist must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant 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 doctor finds that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. It may be due to your inability to give enough detail about your struggles or they believe that a different condition can explain your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints process.

If you choose to go private or access NHS services the wait time for an assessment could be lengthy, and it's worth considering that your clinician may find the process difficult. This isn't because of the individuals involved, but rather because NHS service delivery is stretched to the limits.

GPs are trying to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the requirements of shared care prescribing as outlined by the GMC.

Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to look at 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 the diagnosis. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female when they were born. birth or has other health or social issues that affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.

If you are struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to offer support and treatment for your difficulties. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a phone to discuss what we can do to assist.

What happens if I don't want to take medication?

If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without taking medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to refer you to one of the centers for specialists in England or use the 'Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.


Your appointment will include an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will enable your doctor to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they affect your daily routine. The doctor will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial that you give truthful and accurate information.

If the clinician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they can give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision it is essential to consider the pros and cons of taking any medication. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can be dangerous when taken improperly.

When you choose to take medication, the doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. Depending on the severity your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been suffering from them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is important to also be aware of 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, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate evaluations of clinical conditions. We hesitate to claim that this isn't true because humans aren't precise creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as a science. However, if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS wait times, it may be a good idea to pay for an assessment with a private practitioner.