ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have a legal right to choose the person who provides your specialist NHS mental health assessments. However, not all healthcare professionals are qualified to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has been told by whistleblowers and patients that some private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing medication frequently without proper examinations. We went undercover to learn more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a consultation with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and to determine if medication can help. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will be asked questions about your personal and professional life. Some patients find it beneficial to note down their symptoms before the appointment. This is so they can recall their symptoms. 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. Doctors must take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be willing to refer you for an assessment. The system is not without its problems. The BBC's Panorama programme raised questions about long-term prescriptions of powerful drugs being handed out by doctors as well as an absence of proper treatment and consideration given to the medical history of patients.
If you are worried about the attitude of your doctor to ADHD consider a different GP. On the Psychiatry-UK site, you will find templates and tips for making your request.
Private psychiatric treatment is more efficient and professional, especially in London. Costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in the assessment of adults from diverse backgrounds, and can offer a tailored treatment plan, particularly if you're highly intelligent or have a successful career. They can also screen and help with co-morbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are typically associated with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist assesses your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines if you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to show at least six traits (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they have impacted on 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 are classified as a class B drug, and are subject to the Misuse of Drugs Act. They can only be prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that means the identification of a condition, illness or injury. A doctor will make an assessment and usually accompany it with a treatment plan. The process of diagnosis is an integral part of the course for medical students and is a crucial part of the education of doctors who work in all fields of medicine. Medical journals frequently use the word and it is frequently included in periodicals about health care.
There are a number of methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One method is to go to your GP and ask them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. Another option is to seek an individual psychiatrist to make a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists typically have a lot of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can offer a much quicker, more competent and knowledgeable process. They also be more aware of other conditions that can cause confusion symptoms with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist once you have been diagnosed. This could include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as other non-medication therapies such relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You then have the option of deciding if you want to take up the option that best meets your requirements.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to get 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 be able to carry out.
If you're considering stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD, know that these drugs are class B drugs and can cause addiction. If you're concerned your psychiatrist may refer you to a GP that can prescribe a treatment with no stimulants.
It can be a frustrating and challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis. There are a variety of things to take into account, and the NHS system is often overwhelmed and under-funded, so it can be very easy for GPs or other health professionals to ignore or minimize a possible diagnosis. You can bring a list of symptoms to the examination and be honest when describing your symptoms.
How can I obtain an medical diagnosis?
You or your child may have ADHD. The first step in controlling the symptoms that can affect your life is to seek an diagnosis. It can be an emotional process, but it's essential to realize that ADHD isn't an indication of lazyness or lack of intelligence; it is a normal neurobiological issue. It is also essential to recognize that the proper treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
A specialist will determine your diagnosis by combining a detailed history, a review of your current symptoms, and then analyzing the results of scales and questionnaires that are designed to determine ADHD in adults. They then apply the criteria laid out in 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 be required to conduct medical tests or cognitive tests to determine if there are any underlying causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid disorders and seizures, which typically have the same symptoms as ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is important to be open about your symptoms and how they impact you at home, work or school. This will allow the evaluator to determine if you suffer from ADHD or a co-existing condition which is contributing your symptoms.
After the assessment is completed the doctor will discuss medication options with you If you are thinking about these. The GP is not able to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to offer other treatments for mental health such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to seek a prescription from your clinician, he or she will draft a document known as a Shared care agreement for your GP which outlines the treatment you will receive through the NHS.
Before you take an individual diagnosis It is recommended to consult your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have experience in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also search online for reviews of the providers in your area and learn about the different methods they use. You can also use BetterHelp's simple service to be matched within 48 hours with an experienced therapist.
Can I get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
You are entitled to choose your mental health provider for an ADHD evaluation if you are an active military service. You'll have to ensure that your GP will accept either full care or something called a 'shared care agreement' after the chosen provider has discharged you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT or medication). Contacting the provider directly will allow you to find out if they are covered by agreements with NHS. You can also check the waiting times on this site before you decide to sign up with a specific provider.
If your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions about your symptoms and the time when they began. This will aid your doctor in understanding the extent of your symptoms and how they impact your 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. Even if you're diagnosed with this pathway, you may not be able to access the medication that you need.
Private clinics are among the other ways to get an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics which provide rapid and inexpensive diagnosis of ADHD. These methods could have serious consequences for instance, the case if you want to claim benefits such as the Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.
It is important to remember that stimulants that are prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs, and are subject to the restrictions of The Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing an offence while taking these drugs, you may be punished with a substantial fine or even imprisonment.
If uk private adhd assessment are diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately, you could be entitled to disability benefits like Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, based on the severity. You'll need the letter from your healthcare provider that proves this, as well as a copy of your medical records.