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Ten Diagnosis ADHD That Will Actually Change Your Life
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation took place following tips 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 diagnosis?

If you or someone you love has ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save time and money.

There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are often waiting for weeks or even months to get an appointment, and this can be a source of stress for those who suffer from the condition. Many people believe that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.

In light of these problems, it's not surprising that more adults are opting to undergo an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care offered by private clinics. The undercover show revealed that some clinics ran tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they were not.

A private assessment typically begins with a series of questionnaires for screening that you will be asked to complete and submit to the clinician. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend a diagnostic appointment.

The clinician will then conduct a thorough examination of your medical and family history, and how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. The clinician will also perform an examination of your body and cognitive tests. Based on your situation you will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will send paperwork to your GP for a shared care agreement. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your personal doctor to attend appointments and receive CBT therapy, if required.

What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?

A clear diagnosis and the proper treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private providers to assess their health. This could save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family background and social and medical history and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD scales of rating, and may request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.

When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in the home or in the workplace. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to any other mental health conditions. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your work and social life history to rule out any issues such as financial hardship, a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse.

During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.

People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP, and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication in this way. However, GPs have been known to be reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and also because it is expensive.

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

Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can create serious issues for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.

If your clinician decides you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain the reason. You may have not provided enough details about your struggles, or they may believe that another disorder is more responsible for your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with this choice you may seek an alternative opinion from a different doctor or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.

If you choose to go private or use NHS services the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy and it's worth pondering that your clinician may find the process difficult. This isn't because of the people involved, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to the limit.

GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must make sure they provide a reliable safe, fair and secure service and that they comply with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.

Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national scandal and a valid reason to consider alternative options.

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

If you are struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel that your life is negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to offer support and treatment for your issues. You can call us or request an appointment online to discuss what we can do to help.

What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?

You can receive a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't need to take any medication. You can obtain 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" pathway which is faster.

Your appointment will include an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will allow your doctor to understand how these symptoms affect you and their impact on your daily life. The clinician will consider your previous experiences and family history. It is essential that you give truthful and accurate information.


If IamPsychiatry determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be in a position to give you a diagnosis. 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 a decision. The effects of medications last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects when taken improperly.

The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take medication. 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 keep in mind that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate especially because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed because of insufficient clinical assessments. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely is an actual science. However, if you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and are frustrated by the NHS wait times, it can make sense to get an individual assessment.