ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK it is your legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health assessments. Healthcare professionals may not all have the necessary qualifications to be able to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has been informed by whistleblowers and patients that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing medication frequently without proper examinations. We conducted an undercover investigation to learn more.
What is an assessment?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the impact of ADHD on your life and whether medications can help. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will be asked about your work and family life. Some patients find it beneficial to write notes of their symptoms prior to the appointment. This helps them remember them. An assessment typically involves a 45 to 90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist.
You can obtain an adult ADHD evaluation through the NHS or privately. The GP must take ADHD concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. The system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful drugs for prolonged periods of time and not taking into account the medical background of patients.
If you are concerned about the attitude of your doctor to ADHD, try another GP. On the Psychiatry-UK site you can find an aid that contains templates and tips to submit your request.
Private psychiatric services are faster and more professional, particularly in London. The costs typically range from PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in conducting assessments of adults with diverse backgrounds and offer specific solutions, particularly in situations where you may be highly intelligent or successful in your job. They can also test for and offer help with any co-morbidities commonly found alongside ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
The Psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines if you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to show six characteristics (symptoms), which are present in your current life and how they have affected your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist then will advise you on your options and next steps. You may choose to start treatment, which may involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are covered under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They must be prescribed by an experienced psychiatrist or a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that refers to the recognition of a condition, illness or injury. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is usually accompanied by a treatment plan. The diagnosis is an essential part of the curriculum of medical students, and it is a crucial part of the training of doctors in all areas of medicine. The word is frequently used in medical journals as well as in health-related articles.
There are several methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. Another option is to seek a private psychiatrist to perform a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists generally have extensive experience diagnosing adults with ADHD and can provide the most rapid, professional and understanding process. They are also aware of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety and depression.
After you have been diagnosed you are able to discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This could include medication, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other non-medication treatments such as relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can then decide if you'd like to choose the treatment that is most suitable for your needs.
In addition to enabling you to seek treatment for your ADHD A diagnosis can also help you access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This is particularly important in the case of DSA as it assists those with disabilities and illnesses with their daily activities.
If you're thinking of trying stimulants such as methylphenidate for ADHD be aware that these are class B drugs which could lead to addiction. If adhd private assessment concerned about this, your doctor can refer you to an GP who may prescribe a different form of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and frustrating process. There are a myriad of aspects to take into consideration and the NHS is often over-stretched and under-resourced, so it's easy for doctors and other health professionals to dismiss or deflect any potential diagnosis. It is a good idea to bring your symptoms to the assessment and try to be as objective as you possibly can when describing them.
How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?
If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first step to gain control over the symptoms that disrupt your life is obtaining a diagnosis. It is a psychological process, but it is crucial to recognize that the condition is not a sign of laziness or a lack of intelligence. it is merely a neurological condition. It is essential to recognize that the correct treatment can help you manage your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
To determine your condition A professional will typically assess you through the combination of a thorough history and discussion about your current symptoms and also analyzing the results from questionnaires and scales that have been designed to identify ADHD in adults. They then apply the criteria set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to make an accurate diagnosis.
In addition to interviewing you and people close to you, the person evaluating you may want to carry out cognitive tests or medical examinations to rule out any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include thyroid disorders and seizures, which typically have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is important to be honest about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, at work or school. This will help the evaluator to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or a coexisting condition which is contributing your symptoms.
Once the assessment is complete, your clinician will discuss the options for medication with you if you are considering them. Doctors are not able to prescribe ADHD medication, but they can provide other types of mental health treatments, such as CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy). If you decide to seek an appointment with your doctor, he or she will prepare paperwork called a Shared Care Agreement for your GP which outlines the treatment you will receive through the NHS.
Asking your friends and family members for recommendations of professionals who have experience in ADHD assessments of adults is a great idea prior to undergoing a private assessment. You can also look online for reviews of providers in your area and learn about the various approaches they employ. BetterHelp also offers a simple service to match within 48 hours with an experienced therapist.
Can I get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
If you're an active member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose which mental health provider you're directed to for an ADHD assessment. You'll need to make sure that your GP will accept either full care or something called a 'shared care agreement' when your chosen doctor discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT therapy or medication). You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them direct. You can also find waiting times on this website before you decide to go with a specific provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and when they began in the event that your GP recommends an ADHD specialist via the Right to Choose path. This is to assist your doctor to understand the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
You can find out more about how you can exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It's worth noting that the NHS currently doesn't offer the titration of medications through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you are diagnosed using this route, you might not be able to access the medication you need.
There are a number of other routes to an ADHD diagnosis which include private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics which provide affordable and quick diagnosis of ADHD. These practices could have serious consequences like if you are trying to claim benefits like the Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.
It's important to remember that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs and are therefore subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are convicted of committing an offence when using these drugs, you may face a large fine or even imprisonment.
In addition to the above, if you're diagnosed with ADHD through the NHS or privately, you will be eligible for disability benefits in the form of Attendance Allowance or Income Support dependent on the severity of your condition. You'll also need to submit a letter from the service provider that proves this, along with the copy of your medical record.