ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, you have a legal right to choose the person who provides your specialist NHS mental health examinations. Not all healthcare professionals have the qualifications to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has heard from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications without proper tests. We went undercover in order to learn more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a session with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and to determine if medication can aid. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will also be asked about your family and work life. Some patients find it beneficial to note down their symptoms prior to their appointment. This is so they can remember them. A typical assessment involves a 45 to 90 minute discussion with the psychiatrist.
You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. The GP must take any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and be prepared to refer you to an assessment. However this system isn't without its issues. The BBC's Panorama programme raised concerns about the long-term effects of powerful drugs being dished out by doctors and the lack of proper treatment and consideration given to the medical history of patients.
If you're concerned about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD Consider finding a different GP. There's a helpful resource on the Psychiatry UK website that provides tips on how to do this and templates for letters you can use to present your request.
Private psychiatric care is much more efficient and professional, especially in London. The costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience of conducting assessments of adults with diverse backgrounds and offer specific solutions, particularly in cases where you might be extremely skilled or successful in your career. They are also able to screen and help with co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are typically associated with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist will assess your symptoms and apply the DSM V criteria to determine whether you are eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to show at least six traits (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and the next steps. You may choose to start treatment, which may involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are a class B drug, and are is controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They can only be prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that refers to the diagnosis of a disease, condition or injury. A doctor will provide diagnosis and often follow it with an action plan. The diagnosis is a key part of the curriculum of medical students and is a crucial part of the training of doctors working in all fields of medicine. The term is frequently used in medical journals and in health-related articles.
There are several methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in UK. You can request your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. Another option is to ask a private psychiatrist to perform an assessment. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to provide a faster more efficient, professional and more thorough process. They also have a greater awareness of the other conditions that could cause confusion symptoms with ADHD like anxiety and depression.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist once you have been diagnosed. This may include medication or cognitive therapy (CBT), as well as other non-medication treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can then decide whether you want to take up the option that best meets your needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to receive read more reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is especially important as it aids in daily activities that those with disabilities or illnesses have to do.
If you are thinking about trying stimulants such as methylphenidate for your ADHD Be aware that they are class B drugs which mean that they can potentially lead to addiction. If you're concerned about this, your doctor may refer you to a GP who can prescribe a different kind of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
It can be difficult and difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis. There are many factors to consider, and the NHS system is often stressed and under-funded, so it can be very easy for GPs or other health professionals to ignore or minimize a possible diagnosis. You could bring a list or symptoms to the assessment, and try to be honest when you describe your symptoms.
How do I get an appointment for a diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or your child could be suffering from ADHD the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that cause disruption to your life is to get a diagnosis. It's not an easy process, but it's important to remember that ADHD isn't a sign laziness or a lack of intelligence. It is a neurobiological disorder. It is also essential to realise that the right treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
To determine your condition A professional will typically examine you with a combination of a detailed background and discussion of your current symptoms and also analyze the results from questionnaires and scales created to detect ADHD in adults. They then apply the criteria set out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to make an accurate diagnose.
The evaluator also interviews you and your family members, and may conduct medical or cognitive tests to determine any root causes behind your symptoms. This can include thyroid disorders and seizures, which typically have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is crucial to be open about your symptoms and how they affect you at home, school or at work. This will allow the evaluator to determine whether you have ADHD or a coexisting condition which is contributing your symptoms.
Once the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss medication options with you If you are thinking about them. GPs are not allowed to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to offer other treatments for mental health such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you do choose to seek a prescription, your clinician will create a form for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement, which specifies the type of treatment you will receive through the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Before you go for an individual diagnosis it is a good idea to ask your friends and family for recommendations of professionals who have experience in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also read online reviews about the local providers and find out more about their procedures. Alternatively, you can try BetterHelp's easy-to-use service to get matched with an experienced therapist within 48 hours.
Can I get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?
If you're a member of the Armed Forces, you have a right to choose which mental health professional you're directed to for an ADHD assessment. You'll need to make sure that your GP will accept either full treatment or something called a 'shared care agreement' after the chosen provider has discharged you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT therapy or medication). You can find out which providers have these contracts with the NHS by calling them direct. You can find the waiting times of providers by visiting this website.
If your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions about 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.
You can find out more about how to exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It is important to note that the NHS currently doesn't provide the titration of medications through the Right to Choose pathway. If you are diagnosed via this method, you might not be able to access the medication you require.
Private clinics are among the other options to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that offer quick, cheap diagnosis for people suffering from ADHD. These methods can be dangerous if you're seeking benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for instance.
It's important to know that stimulants that are prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs and are therefore subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of a criminal offence while taking these drugs you could be subject to an enormous fine and/or prison.
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 dependent on the severity of your condition. You'll need to provide a letter from your provider to prove this, along with a copy of your medical records.