ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, it is your legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health assessments. Some healthcare professionals do not have the qualifications to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has received complaints from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication without proper checks. We went undercover 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 aid you. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will also be asked about your work and family life. Some patients find it beneficial to note down their symptoms before the appointment. They can then remember them. An assessment usually involves a 45 to 90 minute discussion with the psychiatrist.
There are two methods to obtain an adult ADHD assessment There are two main ways to get an assessment for ADHD: the NHS or private. GPs must take ADHD concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. However this system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama programme raised concerns about the long-term effects of powerful drugs being dished out by doctors and an absence of proper treatment and consideration given to the medical history of patients.
If you are concerned about the attitude of your GP toward ADHD Consider finding a different GP. There's a great site on Psychiatry-UK which offers tips for doing this, as well as templates for letters you can use to make your request.
Private psychiatric care is much more efficient and professional, especially in London. The price ranges from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience of assessing adults from diverse backgrounds and can offer specific solutions, particularly in situations where you may be highly knowledgeable or have a successful career. They can also test for and assist with any co-morbidities typically associated with ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
The Psychiatrist assesses your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines whether you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to demonstrate six traits (symptoms), which are present in your daily life and how they've affected your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you of your options and the next steps. You can decide to start treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants fall 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 diagnosis?
A diagnosis is the medical term for identifying a disease, injury or condition. A doctor will provide an assessment and usually accompany it with an action plan. The diagnosis is a key part of the curriculum of medical students and plays a significant role in the training of doctors working across all areas of medicine. The term is often utilized in medical journals and in health-related articles.
There are a number of ways to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One option is to visit your GP and request for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. Another option is to ask a private psychiatrist to perform an assessment. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in diagnosing ADHD in adults and provide a faster professional, more thorough, and more understanding process. They also tend to be more aware of other conditions that may confuse symptoms with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist after you have been diagnosed. This could include medications, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medicated treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can decide which treatment option best suits your requirements.
In addition to enabling you to get treatment for your ADHD, a diagnosis can assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). In the case of DSA this is especially important because it helps with day-to-day activities that people who suffer from disabilities or illnesses require to perform.
If you're thinking about stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD be aware that these drugs are class B drugs and could cause addiction. If you're concerned your psychiatrist may refer you to an GP that can prescribe a treatment without stimulants.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and stressful process. There are many aspects to take into consideration as well as the NHS system is usually over overwhelmed and under-funded and it is very easy for GPs and other health professionals to dismiss or downplay a potential diagnosis. You could bring a list or symptoms to the appointment and try to be honest when explaining your symptoms.
How do I get an medical diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or your child could be suffering from ADHD the first step to gain control over symptoms that can disrupt your life is obtaining an diagnosis. It is a psychological process, but it's important to understand that the disorder is not an indication of lazyness or lack of intelligence; it is a normal neurobiological condition. It is also vital to realise that the right treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
A professional will diagnose you by combining a detailed history, a review of your present symptoms, and analyzing the results of scales and questionnaires that are designed to determine ADHD in adults. They will then use the criteria set out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to determine a reliable diagnose.
In addition to interviewing you and people close to you, the person evaluating you may decide to conduct cognitive tests or medical examinations to determine the root causes of your symptoms. This can include things like seizures and thyroid disorders that can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is important that you are honest about your symptoms, and how they affect you at home, work, or at school. private adhd assessment adults will enable the evaluator to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or a co-existing condition that is causing your symptoms.
Once the evaluation is completed your doctor will go over medication options with you in the event that you are considering these. Doctors are not permitted to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they may offer other treatments for mental health like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you choose to seek a prescription, your clinician will draft a document for your GP called a Shared Care Agreement that specifies what treatment you'll receive on the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Before you go for an individual diagnosis it is recommended to ask your friends and family for recommendations of professionals who have experience with ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also search the internet for reviews of providers in your area and read about the various methods they employ. You can also use BetterHelp's simple service to match within 48 hours to a therapist who is experienced.
Do I have the ability to get a diagnostic 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 referred to for an ADHD assessment. If your chosen doctor has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) it is your responsibility to confirm that your GP accepts either full-time care, or something called a shared care agreement. Calling the providers directly will let you determine if they have agreements with NHS. You can find the waiting times of the providers on this site.
If your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and when they first started. This will allow your doctor to better understand your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. It is important to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website you can find out more about how you can exercise Your Right to Choose. It's worth noting that the NHS currently does not offer an titration service for medicines through the Right to Choose pathway. If you get diagnosed through this route, you may not be able to access the medication you need.
Private clinics are among the other ways to get an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer quick and cheap diagnoses of ADHD. These practices could have serious consequences, such as the case if you want to claim benefits such as the Disabled Students allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.
It's important to know that stimulants that are prescribed for ADHD fall under Class B drugs and are therefore subject to the restrictions of The Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're convicted of committing a criminal offence while taking these medicines, you could face an extensive fine or even jail time.
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 and/or Income Support depending on the severity of your condition. You'll also need to provide a letter from the healthcare provider to prove this, as well as the copy of your medical record.