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Could Diagnosis ADHD Be The Answer To Dealing With 2023?
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul drugs after unreliable video call tests at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. A plethora of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.

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

Why do I need a private diagnostic?

If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and prescribe best treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS but an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. As a result, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can cause significant distress for those who suffer from the condition. Furthermore, a lot of people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as good as it could be.

In light of these issues it's not a surprise that more adults are opting to seek a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact they didn't.

A private assessment usually starts with a series of screening questions, which you will be asked to complete and send 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 an appointment for diagnosis.

adhd in adults undiagnosed will then conduct a detailed assessment of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.

If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will send documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if required.

What happens if I do not receive an appointment?

A clear diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Some adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private providers for their evaluation. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a medical exam and tests such as hearing or vision. It will also include questionnaires and check-lists. The person who conducts the assessment will also ask you about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They could also use standard ADHD rating scales and might want to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.

When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to affect work or family life. They will also look to determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your social and work history to rule out problems like financial hardship, the history of abuse and alcohol or drug misuse.

During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you are able to request a new assessment if you disagree with their decision.

If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately can choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medications in this manner. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive.

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

Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated 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 other treatment options or diagnoses that might be more suitable for you.

If your physician determines that you do not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. It could be due to your inability to give enough detail about your struggles or they believe another condition explains your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or use the NHS complaints process.


It is important to remember that your clinician may find the assessment process frustrating, whether you choose private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the people involved.

GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must be sure they provide a quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the standards of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.

The Panorama expose has exposed that private clinics utilize shortcut diagnostic methods, which could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and an excellent reason to consider other options.

It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when they are of minority ethnicity or were born female or have other social or health situations that could affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we're here to help. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to offer support and treatment for your difficulties. You can make an appointment online or give us a call to see what we can do to assist.

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

If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it's possible to be diagnosed without the need for medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You could ask your GP to recommend you to one of the centers that specialize in England or follow the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.

Your appointment will comprise a validated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The doctor will take into consideration your past experiences and your family history. It is essential to provide truthful and accurate information.

If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before you make a decision, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may be harmful if taken in a proper manner.

When you choose to take medication, the doctor will provide you with the prescription and plan. Based on the severity of your symptoms, and the length of time you have been suffering from them, it could be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is also important to be aware of other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed due to inadequate clinical assessments. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry is not a science at all. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.