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How To Become A Prosperous Diagnosis ADHD If You're Not Business-Savvy
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private examination. But is it really working?

Why do I require an individual diagnostic?

If you think you or someone you know has ADHD, it's important to find a professional who can accurately assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you 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. Patients are waiting for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Many people feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.

In I Am Psychiatry of these challenges it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to undergo an assessment by a private doctor. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised grave concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through assessments over the phone and telling patients they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual they didn't.

A private assessment usually begins with a series screening questionnaires which you'll be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The tests are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results aid the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment to diagnose.

The doctor will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD can affect your life. The clinician will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.

After you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a'shared-care agreement'. This permits you to continue receiving NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your private doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be required.

What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?

A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and frustrating. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private specialists to evaluate their health. This can save time and frustration, but it's important to understand that this isn't necessarily an assurance of a correct diagnosis.


A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This can include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family medical and social history as well as your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD rating scales, and may request your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.

When evaluating adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to interfere with your work or family life. They will also look to determine if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your professional and social history to rule out problems such as financial hardships, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.

During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you disagree 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 person back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD are able to access medication this way. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the disorder and because it is expensive.

What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?

It is important to remember that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They'll know that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you.

If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain why. It may be because you did not give enough detail about your issues or they believe another condition explains your traits (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with this choice you may seek an additional opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

It is important to be aware that your clinician may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to the limit.

GPs also struggle to navigate the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic methods and this could put people at risk. This is a national issue and a valid reason to consider alternative options.

It is also worth noting that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for certain people to be given an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is of a different ethnicity or was a female at birth or has any other social and health issues that can influence the way medical professionals perceive their symptoms.

If you're struggling with untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. You can call us or request an appointment online to learn how we can help.

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

You can receive a diagnosis in case you're worried about ADHD symptoms but don't wish to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be assessed at one of the specialist centres in England or by the 'Right to choose option, which is much quicker.

Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of some validated tests. This will allow your clinician to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The doctor will also consider your past experiences and family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful responses.

If the clinician determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with an assessment. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the implications of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medication are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.

The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take a medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from them. It is essential to remember that there are 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 generated controversy, especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We hesitate to claim that this doesn't happen because humans aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly qualifies as an actual science. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS wait times, it is possible to pay for a private assessment.