ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health exams. Not all healthcare professionals are qualified to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has heard from patients and whistleblowers who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication without proper checks. We conducted an undercover investigation to find out more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a meeting with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and to see if medication can aid. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will be asked about your family and work life. Some patients find it helpful to write down their symptoms before their appointment. This helps them remember their symptoms. A psychiatrist will usually spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
There are two methods to obtain an adult ADHD assessment The other is through the NHS or private. Doctors must take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be prepared to refer you for an assessment. However, the system is not without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns regarding the long-term use of powerful drugs being dished out by doctors and an absence of proper treatment and consideration given to patients' medical history.
If you are concerned about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD Consider finding a different GP. There is a good site on Psychiatry-UK that gives tips about doing this, as well as templates for letters that you can use to make your request.
Private psychiatric treatment is faster and more professional, especially in London. Costs typically range from PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are skilled in assessing adults of diverse backgrounds, and are able to provide an individualized treatment plan particularly if you're highly intelligent or have a successful career. They can also screen for and assist with co-morbidities such as anxiety and depression which are typically present in conjunction with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms and use the DSM V criteria to determine whether you qualify for an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to show six characteristics (symptoms), which are present in your current life and how they have affected your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist then informs you on your options and the next steps. You can decide to begin treatment, which can involve stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They must be prescribed only by a psychiatrist or a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a medical term used to identify the cause of a condition, injury or condition. A diagnosis is given by a doctor and is usually accompanied by a treatment plan. The diagnosis is a key element of the curriculum for medical students and is a crucial part of the training of doctors in all fields of medicine. The term is often used in medical journals and in articles about health care.
There are many ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist can also perform a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more adept in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to offer a quicker, more professional, and more understanding process. They are also aware of other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression and anxiety.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist after you have been diagnosed. This could include medication such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other non-medicated treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can choose which treatment option is most suitable for your requirements.
In addition to enabling you to get 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 because it aids people who suffer from disabilities and illnesses with their daily routine.
If you are thinking about taking stimulants like methylphenidate for ADHD be aware that these are class B substances which could lead to addiction. If you're worried your psychiatrist could refer you to an GP who can prescribe a treatment with no stimulants.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and stressful process. There are a variety of aspects to take into consideration as well as the NHS system is often over overwhelmed and under-funded, so it can be extremely easy for doctors or other health professionals to ignore or downplay a potential diagnosis. You could bring a list or symptoms to the assessment and try to be honest when describing your symptoms.
How can I obtain a medical diagnosis?
You or your child may have ADHD. The first step to controlling symptoms that could disrupt your life is to seek a diagnosis. It's not an easy process, but it's crucial to remember that ADHD isn't a sign laziness or a lack of intelligence. It is an illness of the brain. It is also essential to recognize that the proper treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of your living.
A qualified professional will identify you by combining a detailed history and a detailed discussion of your current symptoms, and analyzing the results of the questionnaires and scales designed to identify ADHD in adults. private adhd assessments will then use the criteria set out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to make an accurate diagnose.
In addition to interviewing you and people close to you, the evaluator might decide to conduct cognitive testing or medical exams to determine the root causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues and seizures, which can have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the examination, it is important that you are honest about your symptoms, and how they affect your life at home, work or at school. This will enable the evaluator to determine whether you have ADHD or a disorder that is contributing to your symptoms.
After the assessment is completed, your clinician will discuss the options for medication with you in the event that you are considering these. The GP is not able to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to provide other mental health treatments like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you choose to seek a prescription, your clinician will prepare paperwork for your GP called a Shared Care Agreement which outlines what treatment you'll receive on the NHS and with whom.
Asking your family and friends to recommend experts with expertise in ADHD evaluations of adults is a good idea before you go for an assessment in private. You can also read online reviews regarding the services in your area and find out more about their techniques. You can also use BetterHelp's simple service to be matched within a matter of 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. After your chosen provider has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) it is your responsibility to ensure that your GP is willing to accept either full care, or something called a shared care agreement. You can determine which providers have these contracts with the NHS by calling them direct. You can also find the waiting times on this site before deciding to go with a particular provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, including when they began when you GP refers you to an ADHD specialist via the Right to Choose path. This will help your doctor better understand your symptoms and their impact on your life. It is important to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
Find out more about how to exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. The NHS does not currently offer an titration of medications through the Right to Choose path. So, even if you get diagnosed through this route, you may not be able to access the medication you require.
There are many alternative routes to an ADHD diagnosis, including private clinics. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that provide affordable, quick diagnoses for people with ADHD. These shortcuts could be dangerous if you're seeking to claim benefits like Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, as an example.
It's important to know that stimulants prescribed for ADHD fall under the category of Class B drugs, and are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're convicted of committing a criminal offence when you're taking these medications you could face an enormous fine and/or prison.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, either through the NHS or privately you may be entitled to disability benefits, such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, depending on the degree of the disorder. You'll also have to provide a letter from the provider proving this, along with the copy of your medical record.