ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, you have the legal right to choose who offers your specialized NHS mental health examinations. However, not all healthcare professionals are certified to determine ADHD.
Panorama has been informed by patients and whistleblowers that private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing drugs frequently without proper checks. We went undercover 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 whether medication could help. You'll be asked to bring details of your symptoms and any issues they are causing. You will also be asked about your family and work life. Some patients find it beneficial to write down their symptoms prior to their appointment. This helps them remember them. An assessment usually requires a 45 to 90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist.
There are two main ways to receive an adult ADHD assessment The other is through the NHS or private. Doctors must take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are willing to refer you to an assessment. However the 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 care and consideration given to the medical history of patients.
If you're worried about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD, consider finding another GP. There is a good resource on the Psychiatry UK website which offers tips for doing this and templates for letters that you can use to make your request.
Private psychiatric services are more efficient and professional, especially in London. The cost is ranging from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience assessing adults from diverse backgrounds and offer specific solutions, particularly in situations where you may be highly skilled or successful in your career. They can also screen and assist with co-morbidities such as anxiety and depression which are typically found along with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms and apply the DSM V criteria to determine whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. You will need to demonstrate at least 6 characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they have impacted on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will inform you on your options and the next steps. You may choose to start treatment, which can involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. These stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They are prescribed by a psychiatrist or a doctor who is registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is the medical term for identifying an injury, disease or condition. A doctor will provide diagnosis and often follow it with a treatment plan. The diagnosis is an essential component of the curriculum of medical students and is an integral part in the training of doctors working in all fields of medicine. The term is frequently used in medical journals and in articles about health care.
There are many ways to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One option is to visit your GP and request them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. A private psychiatrist can provide the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to offer a quicker professional, more thorough and more empathetic process. They are also aware of other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety and depression.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist after you have been diagnosed. This can include medications or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other non-medicated treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can choose which treatment option is best suited to your needs.
In addition to allowing you to seek treatment for your ADHD, a diagnosis can help you access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). In the case of DSA this is especially important as it aids in daily activities that people who suffer from disabilities or illnesses require to perform.
If you're thinking of taking stimulants like methylphenidate for ADHD Be aware that these are class B drugs which could cause addiction. If you're worried your psychiatrist may refer you to an GP that can prescribe a treatment without stimulants.
It can be a frustrating and challenging to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. There are a number of things to take into account as well as the NHS system is usually over overwhelmed and under-funded and it is extremely easy for doctors or other health professionals to ignore or deny a diagnosis. It is a good idea to bring your list of symptoms to the appointment and try to be as objective as possible when describing them.
How do I obtain a diagnosis?
Your child or you may have ADHD. The first step to controlling symptoms that can disrupt your life is to get an diagnosis. It can be an emotional process, but it is important to understand that the disorder is not an indication of lazyness or lack of intelligence; it is merely a neurobiological condition. It is also essential to realise that the right treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
A specialist will determine your diagnosis by combining a detailed medical history as well as a review of your present symptoms, and then analyzing the results of questionnaires and scales designed to identify 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 diagnosis.
The evaluator will also interview you and your family members and may conduct medical or cognitive tests in order to rule out any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, which often have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is important that you are honest about your symptoms, and how they affect you at home, work, or at school. This will enable the examiner to determine if you have ADHD or a co-existing condition which is contributing your symptoms.
If you're thinking about taking medication, your doctor will discuss it after the assessment has been completed. Doctors are not able to prescribe ADHD medications, but they can provide other types of mental health treatment such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to get an appointment with your doctor and he or she will create a form called a Shared Care Agreement for your GP which outlines the treatment you will receive through the NHS.
Before you make a private diagnosis, it is a good idea to consult your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have expertise in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also read online reviews regarding the services in your area and learn more about their techniques. private adhd assessments can also try BetterHelp's user-friendly service to be the right therapist within 48 hours.
Can I get a diagnosis using Right to Choose?
You have the right to choose your mental health provider for an ADHD evaluation if you're a member of a military service. You'll need to ensure that your GP will accept either full care or something called a 'shared care agreement' after your chosen doctor discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT therapy or medication). You can find out which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them direct. You can also check the waiting time on this website before deciding to go with a particular provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and the time they began in the event that your GP refers to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This will allow your doctor to better understand your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
Find out more about exercising your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. The NHS is currently not offering a titration for medications via the Right to Choose path. If you're diagnosed using this route, you may not be eligible for the medication you require.
There are a variety of alternatives to an ADHD diagnosis which include private clinics. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that offer affordable, quick diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These methods could have serious repercussions for instance, when you attempt to claim benefits like the Disabled Students Allowance or other reasonable accommodations at work.
It's important to know that stimulants prescribed for ADHD fall under the category of Class B drugs and are therefore subject to restrictions under The Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are found guilty of committing a crime when you are taking these drugs, you may be liable for a significant fine or even imprisonment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately, you could be eligible for disability benefits like Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, based on the degree of the disorder. You'll also need to submit a letter from the healthcare provider proving this, along with the copy of your medical documents.