10 Places Where You Can Find 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 drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was carried out following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean that many patients are forced to pay for a private assessment. But is it really effective?
Why do I require an individual diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can evaluate your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS but a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns regarding the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Furthermore, a lot of people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.
It's not surprising, then, that more adults choose to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics rushed through assessments over the phone, and were telling patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.
A private examination 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 have symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results help the clinician determine if you are a candidate for a diagnostic appointment.
The doctor will then conduct an in-depth review of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. The clinician will also perform physical examinations and cognitive test. Depending on adhd diagnosis uk adults will be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will forward documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue to receive NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while you see your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and treatment plan can make a huge difference. However, the NHS procedure for diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy and difficult. Some adults are unable to wait that long and seek out private specialists to evaluate their situation. This can help save time and frustration, but it's important to understand that this isn't an assurance of a correct diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give a more thorough evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This may include a medical examination as well as tests such as hearing and vision. It will also involve questionnaires and checklists. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family background and medical and social history, and will also inquire about your symptoms. They could also utilize standard ADHD rating scales and may be able to ask your teachers or caregivers for ratings, too.
When assessing adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will look for five or more symptoms within a period of six months that are severe enough to interfere with the demands of work or at home. They will also determine if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance can trigger signs similar to those seen in ADHD. They will also review your work and social background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties or a history of abuse, and drug or alcohol misuse.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will inform you if they think that you do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if they disagree with their decision.
Individuals who have a private diagnosis of ADHD can choose to share this information with their GP, and the GP can send them back for shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD can get medication this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they don't have a specialization in the condition or because it's expensive.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your doctor must be considerate and understanding of your feelings and concerns. They will know that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she might suggest alternative treatment options that are more appropriate for you.
If your physician decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD They will explain why. It could be due to your inability to provide enough details about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the decision, you can seek another opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or take advantage of NHS care, the wait time for an assessment can be lengthy and it's important to consider that your clinician may find the process difficult. The NHS is overstretched and it's not the fault of the people involved.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they offer a robust, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
The Panorama expose has revealed that private clinics employ techniques for diagnosing problems that are not as thorough, and can put patients in danger. This is a national scourge, and a very real reason to look at alternative options.
It is important to remember that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to be given the diagnosis. This is especially true when they are ethnically minorities or were born female or have other social and health circumstances that affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
We can help if you find your life negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our doctors have experience diagnosing ADHD, and can offer support and treatment for your problems. Contact us today or make an appointment online to find out how we can assist you.
What happens If you don't want me take my medication?
You can get a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms, but don't wish to take medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer 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 an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they have on your daily activities. The doctor will take into consideration your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is essential to provide honest and truthful information.
If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be capable of providing you with an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding, it is important to consider the pros and cons of taking the medication. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may be harmful if used in a safe manner.
When you choose to take medication, your doctor will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are other options to manage ADHD symptoms, including exercise, diet and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics diagnosing ADHD has generated much controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed due to inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We are hesitant to say that this isn't the case because we are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely is an academic discipline. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and you are being let down by the NHS waiting times, then it is possible to pay for a private assessment.