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This History Behind Diagnosis ADHD Will Haunt You For The Rest Of Your Life!
ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and given powerful drugs following unreliable video assessments at private clinics, a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.

Many people are required to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really working?

Why do I require a private diagnosis?

If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD You should seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS but private diagnosis may be more effective and save you both time and money in the long run.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the current demand for its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Many people think that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.

In the light of these issues it's not a surprise that more people are opting to go for an assessment by a private doctor. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through tests over the phone and told patients that they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't.

A private assessment typically begins with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to fill out and submit to the clinician. The screenings are designed to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results will aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.

The physician will then conduct an in-depth assessment of your medical and family background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also conduct physical examinations and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and then given a treatment plan.

If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will forward documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription fee) while also seeing your private doctor for regular appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.

What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?

A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be long and difficult. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private specialists to evaluate their condition. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to keep in mind that it does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

A professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This could include a medical examination and tests such as hearing and vision. This will include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family background and medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also employ the standard ADHD rating scales, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to rate you.

When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruption in work or family life. They will also consider whether these symptoms are due to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out problems like financial difficulties or abuse history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse.


During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe that you don't meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.

People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication in this way. Some GPs are hesitant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they aren't experts in the condition or because it's expensive.

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

It's worth remembering that your doctor should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.

If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD They will then explain the reason. It could be that you haven't provided enough information about your issues or they might believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from another clinician or go through the NHS complaints process.

Whether you go private or use NHS care waiting times for an assessment could be long and it's worth considering that your doctor may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched too thin and it's not the fault of the people affected.

GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, and also meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC.

The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and an excellent reason to think about alternative options.

It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to be given an assessment. This is particularly true if the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth, or has other health or social issues which can affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.

We can assist you if find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to help you overcome your difficulties. Contact us today or make an appointment online to discuss how we can help.

What happens If you don't wish me to take my medication?

If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to use medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England or by the 'Right to Choose route, which is much faster.

Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and 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 consider your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial that you give truthful and accurate information.

If a doctor determines that you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making the decision. The effects of medications are long-lasting, and may cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.

The psychiatrist will provide you with a prescription and a plan should you choose to take medication. Based on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the length of time you have been experiencing them, it might be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a longer period of time. However, it's important to remember that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that patients are being misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We are reticent to say that this isn't the case, because humans are awfully inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. However, if how to get adult adhd diagnosis experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS waiting times, then it can make sense to take out a private assessment.