It's the same with a whole host of mental health disorders in that there are no concrete tests to diagnose them so results are going to vary.
It's no surprise that the NHS are going to be more conservative about diagnosing these conditions over a private clinic.
IIRC the outcomes are similar for things like autism as well. A friend got a diagnosis privately for high-functioning autism but the NHS weren't having it despite him being assessed multiple times over a long-period.
They are for-profit, private clinics. Of course they have a much lower threshold for diagnosis. Their business model relies on positive feedback. You get that by giving the patient what they want.
I am very much against private diagnoses of ADHD. I also very much appreciate why genuine ADHD patients use their services and benefit from them. But I also believe the majority of new diagnoses do not have ADHD, and as such are started on frankly dangerous medication and have a lifelong label that often shapes their sick role.
There is no benefit to the NHS of refusing diagnosis, other than someone doesn't have a diagnosis. Yes, there will always be the very very few that slip through the net, but if someone has been assessed multiple times over a long period, I presume by multiple NHS clinicians, then it's a fairly safe bet to say they don't have autism, whether or not they or you wish to believe it.
DOI: Worked in mental health, used to assess & treat ADHD patients, including those that sourced a private diagnosis.
45 minutes with a disinterested person on a video call is enough for them to give you prescription meds though. Seems wrong.
Exactly this, addictive and dangerous medication when taken over years. It's shocking.
Many GPs will give you a prescription for an SSRI after filling out a 2 minute questionaire if you score the right way for depression or anxiety.
Starting an SSRI rather than titrating? No, no GP should be doing this, I've never seen or heard this done, it goes against NICE guidelines, and I suggest if you or any loved one experiences this you should make a complaint.