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ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

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

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

Why do I need a private diagnostic?

If you or someone you love has ADHD You should find a doctor who will accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe most appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to go with the NHS but an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the end.

There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. In addition, many people believe that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.

In light of these challenges it's not surprising that more adults are opting to seek a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover program revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and told patients that they had ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.

A private assessment will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires you will be asked to complete and return to the doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. The results can be used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not to attend a full diagnostic appointment.

The doctor will then review your medical history and family history as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with a form for a 'shared care agreement'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your personal doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy should it be required.

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

A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a massive difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and frustrating. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private specialists to assess their health. This can save time and stress, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.

A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to provide a more thorough assessment than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical exam and tests like hearing and vision. It will also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family history, as well as medical and social history, as well as asking about your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD rating scales, and may ask your caregivers or teachers to give you a score.


When evaluating adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more symptom over a period of 6 months that are severe enough to disrupt work or home life. link will also look at whether the symptoms are related to other mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also review your social and work background to rule out issues like financial hardship or a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.

During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will also explain why they think you are not and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.

If you have an official diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this with their GP and the GP can send them back for shared management through the NHS. This is how some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD get access to medications. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's costly.

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

Remember that your therapist 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 disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative treatments and diagnoses that are more suitable for you.

If your doctor determines that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they give the reasons. You may have not provided enough details about your struggles, or they may believe that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you're not happy with this choice you may seek an additional opinion from a different doctor or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.

No matter if you opt for private or access NHS care, the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy and it's worth considering that your clinician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it's not the fault of the individuals affected.

GPs also face challenges in navigating the complex process of diagnosing ADHD as well as autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they offer a robust safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.

Unfortunately, Panorama's expose revealed that private clinics are using a shortened diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national scandal, and a very real reason to look at alternatives.

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

We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can provide assistance and treatment for your issues. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a an email to find out how we might be able to help.

What happens if I don't want to take medication?

You can get a diagnosis if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't want to take medication. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your GP to send you to one of the specialist centers in England or go through the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.

Your appointment will consist of a validated 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 the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important to provide accurate and truthful answers.

If the doctor decides that you meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, they can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before you make a decision it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons of taking a medication. The effects of medication are long-term, and can cause serious adverse effects in the event of a misjudgment.

The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a long period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've experienced these symptoms for. However, it's important to remember that there are non-pharmacological options to manage ADHD symptoms, such as exercise, diet and cognitive behaviour therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic tests. We're not sure that this doesn't happen since humans are incredibly inexact, and psychiatry not a science at all. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and you are being frustrated by the NHS wait times, it is possible to pay for a private assessment.

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