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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerul medications following unreliable video call assessments at private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation took place after tips were received. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.

Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that a lot of people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really working?

Why do I need an individual diagnosis?

If you or someone you love has ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the best treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more accurate and can save time and money.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with current demands on its services for ADHD assessments. Patients are forced to wait months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very distressing for those who are affected. Furthermore, a lot of people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.

It's not surprising, therefore that more adults opt to get a private evaluation. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and telling patients that they had ADHD when, in fact they didn't.

A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questionnaires that you must complete and return to your doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment.

The physician will then conduct an in-depth review of your family and medical background, as well as how the symptoms of ADHD affect your daily life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive tests. Depending on your circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given a detailed treatment plan.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork to sign a'shared care contract'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private clinician to keep track of appointments and receive CBT therapy, if needed.

What is the outcome 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 process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Many adults are unable to wait this long and turn to private professionals for an evaluation. This can save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.

A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD can provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination as well as tests, such as hearing and vision. adhd diagnostic could include checklists and questionnaires. The person who conducts the test will also ask about your family background and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They may also use standard ADHD rating scales and may want to ask your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.

When evaluating adults with ADHD The healthcare professional will be looking for five or more signs over six months that are severe enough to cause disruption in your work or family life. They will also look to determine whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your professional and social background to rule out issues 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 do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.

People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to discuss it 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 medication in this way. However, GPs are often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication due to the fact that they are not experts in the condition and because it's costly.

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 will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she might be able to suggest alternative treatment options that are more suitable for you.

If your physician decides that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It could be because you did not provide enough details about your difficulties or because they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with this decision, you can ask for another opinion from a different clinician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.


No matter if you opt for private or use NHS services, the wait time for an assessment can be long and it's important to consider the possibility that your physician might find the process frustrating. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the individuals who are involved.

GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex diagnosis process for ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a reliable, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.

Panorama's exposé has exposed that private clinics utilize quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national issue and a compelling reason to consider alternatives.

It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult for certain people to receive the diagnosis. This is especially true if they are of a minority ethnic background or born female or have other social and health situations that could affect the way medical professionals interpret the symptoms they present.

If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we are here to help. Our specialists have experience diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us today or request an appointment online to find out how we can help.

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

If you are concerned about ADHD symptoms but do not want to take medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without taking medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England or by the 'Right To Choose' pathway which is a lot faster.

Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will allow your clinician to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. The doctor will consider your personal experiences as well as your family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.

If the physician determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be in a position to give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is important to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making an informed decision. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and have serious side-effects if not taken in a proper manner.

The psychiatrist will give you an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a long duration, based on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for. However, it's important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to help manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We hesitate to claim that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry rarely is a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could be beneficial to pay for an assessment.