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Five Things You've Never Learned About Diagnosis ADHD
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But does it actually work?

Why do I need a private diagnosis?

If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can accurately assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. While a lot of people choose to use the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the end.

There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet current demands 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. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.

It's not surprising, then, that more adults choose to have a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and telling patients they had ADHD when, in fact they didn't.

A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questionnaires you will be asked to fill out and submit to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. These results help the clinician decide if it is appropriate to schedule an appointment to diagnose.

The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history, as well as the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment program.

After you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will forward paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also consult your personal doctor to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy if needed.

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

In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Many adults are unable to endure this long and go to private professionals for an assessment. This can help save time and frustration but it's important to understand that this isn't a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.

adhd diagnosing who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. This could include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family background and social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD scales for rating and request your teachers or caregivers to give you a score.

When evaluating adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to interfere with work or home life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your professional and social history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction.

During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you are able to request a new assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.


Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are able to access medication. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.

What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your concerns and feelings. They'll know that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest other diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.

If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain the reason. It could be that you haven't provided enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not satisfied with the outcome you can seek a second opinion from a different clinician or follow the NHS complaints process.

Whether you go private or access NHS healthcare, the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy and it's important to consider that your doctor might find the process frustrating. This isn't because of the individuals involved, but rather because NHS services are stretched to its limits.

GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is 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 a shortened diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and an excellent reason to look at alternatives.

It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive a diagnosis. This is particularly true if they are of a minority ethnic background or born female or have other social and health circumstances that affect how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.

We can help you if think your life is affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and can provide assistance and treatment to help you overcome your issues. You can make an appointment on our website or give us a call to see how we might be able to assist you.

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

You can be diagnosed if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the centers for specialists in England or follow the "Right to Choose" pathway which is faster.

Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your physician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. The doctor will take into consideration your experiences in the past and your family history. It is crucial to give accurate and honest answers.

If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they can provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before deciding it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a medication. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects when taken improperly.

When you choose to take medication, the doctor will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy duration, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. It is essential to be aware of other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy especially because it suggests that people are being misdiagnosed due to inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely is an actual science. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could make sense to pay for an assessment.