ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.

Many people are forced to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it effective?

Why do I need an individual diagnosis?

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

There are concerns regarding the ability of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. In the end, patients are often waiting weeks or even months for an appointment, and this could cause a lot of distress for those who suffer from the condition. Additionally, many believe that the quality of NHS assessment services is not as high as it could be.

In light of these issues it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to undergo a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and told patients they were ADHD even though they were not.

A private examination will typically start with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to fill out and submit to your doctor. The tests are designed to see if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are also standardised. These results aid the clinician decide if you should attend 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 daily life. They will also carry out physical and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and then given a treatment plan.

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

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

If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults cannot wait that long and seek out private specialists to assess their condition. This can save you time and frustration, however it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can provide more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist from the NHS. This can include a medical exam and tests such as hearing and vision. It may also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family history, as well as your social and medical history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales and may also ask your caregivers or teachers to give you a score.

When assessing adult 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 look to determine whether these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also assess your work and social life history to rule out any issues like financial hardship or a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.

During the NHS assessment the psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they believe that you do not meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You can request a second assessment if you disagree with their decision.


If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD may decide to discuss this information with their GP, and the GP can then refer them back for shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication in this way. However, doctors have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they do not specialise in the disorder and because it's expensive.

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

Remember that your doctor must be respectful and sympathetic to your concerns and feelings. adult adhd diagnosis uk 'll understand that untreated ADHD symptoms can create significant problems for families and individuals. If adhd diagnosis uk adults doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they may be able suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.

If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will then explain why. It may be due to the fact that you didn't give enough detail about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your traits (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If you're not satisfied with the decision you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or go through the NHS complaints procedure.

It is important to remember that your physician may find the process of assessment challenging, whether you opt for private or NHS care. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the individuals affected.

GPs are also struggling to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence in general). They must ensure they provide a reliable, fair and safe service and that they comply with the requirements of the GMC for shared care prescribing.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using short cut diagnostic approaches and this can put people at risk. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to look at alternatives.

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

We can assist you if think your life is affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD, and can offer support and treatment for your problems. You can schedule an appointment via our website or give us an email to find out what we can do to assist.

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

You can receive a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but do not want to take medication. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the centers for specialists in England or follow the "Right to Choose" route, which is more efficient.

Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will take into account your past experiences and family history. It is essential that you give honest and truthful information.

If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD They can give you a diagnosis. You will be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. It is essential to consider the consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. The effects of medications are long-term, and can have serious side effects when taken improperly.

When you choose to take medication, your doctor will provide you with a plan and a prescription. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and how long you've experienced them. However, it's important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, like diet, exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked controversy, in particular because it suggests people are being misdiagnosed as a result inadequate clinical assessments. We're hesitant to claim that this does not happen since humans are incredibly inexact and psychiatry is barely a science. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and are disappointed by the NHS waiting times, then it may be a good idea to get a private assessment.