ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK it is your legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health exams. Some healthcare professionals do not are qualified to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has been informed by whistleblowers and patients that private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medications, often without proper tests. 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 determine whether medication could aid. You'll be asked to provide information about your symptoms and any issues they cause. You will also be asked about your family and work schedule. Some patients find it helpful to write down symptoms before their appointment. This is to help them recall their symptoms. An assessment typically requires a 45 to 90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist.
You can obtain an adult ADHD evaluation through the NHS or privately. GPs must take ADHD concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. However this system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful drugs over long periods of time, and not considering the medical history of patients.
If you're worried about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD you should consider seeking out a different GP. On the Psychiatry UK website you can find templates and guidelines to make your request.
Private psychiatric services offer a much speedier and more qualified diagnosis, especially in London. The costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience assessing adults of diverse backgrounds and offer an individual treatment plan, particularly if you're highly intelligent or have a successful career. They can also screen and help with co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are typically present in conjunction with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist assesses your symptoms based on the DSM V criteria and determines if you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You must demonstrate at least 6 traits (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they have had an impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and the next steps. You may decide to begin treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They can only be prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist 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 issue diagnosis and often follow it with a treatment plan. The diagnosis is a key part of the curriculum of medical students, and it plays a significant role in the training of doctors working in all areas of medicine. Medical journals often employ the word "diagnosis" and is frequently included in periodicals about health care.
There are many methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. Another option is to ask an individual psychiatrist to make an assessment. Private psychiatrists typically have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and can offer the most rapid, professional and understanding process. They also have a greater awareness of other conditions that could cause confusion symptoms with ADHD like anxiety and depression.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you can discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. adhd private assessment may include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), as well as other non-medication treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You then have the option of deciding if you want to take up the treatment that is most suitable for your requirements.
In addition to enabling you to get 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 because it assists with daily activities that people with disabilities or illnesses need to perform.
If you're thinking about taking stimulants like methylphenidate for your ADHD be aware that these are class B drugs, which could lead to addiction. If you're concerned about this, your psychiatrist can refer you to a GP who can prescribe a different kind of treatment that doesn't contain stimulants.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and frustrating process. There are a variety of factors to consider, and the NHS system is often over overwhelmed and under-funded and it is very easy for GPs and other health professionals to dismiss or deny a diagnosis. You can bring a list of symptoms to the examination and be objective when describing your symptoms.
How can I obtain an medical diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that disrupt your life is obtaining a diagnosis. It's not an easy process, but it's important to remember that ADHD isn't an indication of laziness or lack of intelligence. It is an illness of the brain. It is also vital to realize that the correct treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
To diagnose look these up will typically examine you with the combination of a thorough background and discussion of your current symptoms, and also analyzing the results from questionnaires and scales developed to detect ADHD in adults. They will then apply the criteria set out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to determine a reliable diagnose.
In addition to conducting an interview with you and those close to you, the evaluator may be required to conduct cognitive testing or medical exams to determine the root causes for your symptoms. This could include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions, which can often exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the assessment it is essential to be honest about your symptoms and how they affect you at home, work, or school. This is so that the assessor can determine whether or not you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing disorder which is causing your symptoms.
If you're thinking of taking medication, your clinician will discuss it once the evaluation is completed. GPs are not allowed to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they may provide other mental health treatments like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you do opt to get a prescription, your doctor will create a form for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement which outlines the type of treatment you will receive through the NHS and with whom.
Asking your family and friends for recommendations on professionals with experience in ADHD evaluations for adults is a great idea prior to undergoing an individual assessment. You can also search online for reviews of providers in your area and read about the various approaches they employ. If you prefer, you can use BetterHelp's simple-to-use service to be the right therapist within 48 hours.
Do I have the ability to get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
If you're a member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose which mental health practitioner you're referred to for an ADHD assessment. You'll have to ensure that your GP will accept either full care or a shared care agreement' when the chosen provider has discharged you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT or medication). You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them directly. You can also check the waiting times of providers by visiting this website.
If your GP recommends you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and when they started. This will assist your doctor to understand the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. Answer these questions honestly and clearly.
You can learn 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 method, you might not be in a position to get the medication you need.
There are many other routes to an ADHD diagnosis, including private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics which provide quick and cheap diagnoses of ADHD. These methods can have serious consequences if trying to claim benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for instance.
It is important to remember that stimulants prescribed for ADHD fall under Class B drugs and are therefore subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing an offence when using these medications, you could be liable for a significant fine or even jail time.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, either through the NHS or privately, you could be eligible for disability benefits like Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, depending on the degree of the disorder. You'll also need to provide a letter from the service provider that proves this, along with the copy of your medical record.