5 Qualities That People Are Looking For In Every Diagnosis ADHD
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 after video calls that are not reliable. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private exam. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD You should seek out a professional who can accurately assess the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS however a private diagnosis is usually more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns about the ability of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting for weeks or even months for an appointment, which can cause significant distress for those affected. Many people also think that the NHS assessment services are not as efficient as they could be.
In the face of these issues it's not a surprise that more people are opting to go for an assessment by a private doctor. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were speeding through assessments over the phone and telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD when, in fact, they did not.
A private examination will typically begin with a series of screening questionnaires that you must fill out and submit to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend a full diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then evaluate your medical background and family history as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive test. Based on your specific circumstances you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will submit documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy, if needed.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
If you suffer from ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Many adults can't wait that long to seek out private specialists to determine their situation. This can help save time and stress, but it's important to realize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This can include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the assessment will also ask about your family background and medical and social history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD rating scales and might be able to request your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adult ADHD, the healthcare professional will look for five or more signs over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to interfere with work or home life. They will also determine whether these symptoms are due to other mental health disorders. For instance, depression and anxiety can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. They will also look at your social and professional history to rule out issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and alcohol and drug abuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if they disagree with their decision.
People who receive a diagnosis of ADHD privately may choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medications in this manner. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition or because it's costly.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your concerns and feelings. They'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your physician isn't happy with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative diagnoses and treatments that are more appropriate for you.
If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It may be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough details about your struggles or they believe that a different condition can explain your characteristics (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with this choice then you can seek another opinion from a different physician or submit your complaint to the NHS complaints procedure.
It is important to be aware that your physician may find the assessment process difficult, regardless of whether you select private or NHS care. undiagnosed adhd adults isn't due to the individuals involved, but rather due to the fact that NHS service provision is stretched to the limits.
GPs also face challenges in navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD, autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is both safe and fair, as well as meet the prescriptions for shared care as outlined by the GMC.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ quick diagnostic techniques, which can put people in danger. This is a tragedy for the entire country and an excellent reason to think about alternatives.
It is also important to recognize that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for certain people 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 influence how medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
We can help if you think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment for your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment via our website or give us an email to find out how we might be able to assist.

What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?
You can be diagnosed when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't need to take any medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England or via the 'Right To Choose' pathway, which is much quicker.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinic interview and the completion of some validated tests. This will enable your doctor to understand how you are affected by these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily activities. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.
If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can give you an assessment. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medication. This is because the effects of medication can last for a long time and cause serious adverse side effects if taken properly.
The doctor will issue you an appointment and a treatment plan if you decide to take a medication. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've been suffering from them. It is essential to keep in mind that there are 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 treat ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen, because humans are awfully inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, it is possible to pay for an assessment with a private practitioner.