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 trained to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has heard from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe drugs without proper screening. We went undercover to find out more.
What is an assessment?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the impact of ADHD on your life and whether medication can aid you. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will be asked questions about your family and work life. Some patients find it helpful to note down their symptoms prior to the appointment. This is to help them recall their symptoms. A psychiatrist is typically spending 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. Doctors must take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be prepared to refer you for an assessment. The system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about the long-term effects of powerful drugs being handed out by doctors as well as an absence of proper care and consideration for patients' medical history.
If you are concerned about your GP's attitude to ADHD consider a different GP. On the website of Psychiatry-UK, you will find a resource that includes templates and guidelines to make your request.
Private psychiatric treatment is quicker and more professional, especially in London. The price can range from PS600 to up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience conducting assessments of people from different backgrounds and offer an individual treatment plan, especially if you are highly skilled or have a lucrative career. They can also screen for and assist with any co-morbidities that are typically associated with ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
The Psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms and use 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 have had an impact on your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and the next steps. You can choose to begin treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. These stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They must be prescribed only by a doctor or psychiatrist registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that refers to the recognition of a condition, illness or injury. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is usually followed by a treatment plan. The diagnosis is a key element of the curriculum for medical students and is a crucial part of the education of doctors in all areas of medicine. Medical journals often use the word "diagnosis" and is often included in periodicals about health care.
There are many ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist can provide a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists typically have a lot of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and can provide a much quicker, more professional and a more thorough process. They also have a better understanding of other conditions that could cause confusion symptoms with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist after you have been diagnosed. This may include medication or cognitive therapy (CBT), as well as other non-medication therapies such relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can then decide if you'd like to pursue the option that best meets 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). In the case of DSA this is particularly important as it aids in daily activities that those with disabilities or illnesses need to be able to carry out.
If you're considering stimulants like methylphenidate to treat your ADHD Be aware that these drugs are class B drugs that can cause addiction. If you're concerned, your psychiatrist can refer to a GP that can prescribe a treatment with no stimulants.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and frustrating process. There are many factors to consider and the NHS is often overstretched and under-funded, which makes it easy for doctors and other health professionals, to dismiss or minimize any possible diagnosis. It is helpful to bring your list of symptoms with you to the assessment and try to be as objective as possible when you describe them.
How can I obtain a medical diagnosis?
If you are concerned that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD, the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that can disrupt your life is obtaining diagnosed. It can be an emotional process, but it is crucial to recognize that the condition is not an indication of lazyness or a lack of intelligence. it is a normal neurobiological issue. It is important to understand that the right treatment will aid you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
A professional will diagnose you by combining a detailed history and a detailed discussion of your current symptoms, and then analyzing the results of scales and questionnaires that are designed to determine ADHD among adults. They will then apply the criteria established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to identify the cause of your symptoms.
In addition to interviewing you and people close to you, the person evaluating you may want to carry out cognitive testing or medical exams to determine the root causes for your symptoms. This can include things like seizures and thyroid disorders, which can often have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is essential to be honest about your symptoms and how they impact you at home, work, or school. This will enable the evaluator to determine if you suffer from ADHD or a coexisting disorder that is contributing to your symptoms.
Once the assessment is complete the doctor will discuss medication options with you If you are thinking about these. The GP cannot prescribe ADHD medications, but they can offer other kinds of mental health treatment such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you choose to seek a prescription, your doctor will create a form for your GP called a Shared Care Agreement that specifies what treatment you will be receiving on the NHS and with whom.
Before you make a diagnosis that is private it is a good idea to ask your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have experience with ADHD assessments for adults. You can also read online reviews regarding the services in your area and find out more about their procedures. You can also make use of BetterHelp's simple service to match within 48 hours with an experienced therapist.
Do I have the ability to get a diagnosis using Right to Choose?
If you're a member of the Armed Forces, you have a right to choose which mental health professional you're recommended website to for an ADHD assessment. After your chosen provider has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) then you'll need to ensure that your GP is willing to accept either full care or a shared care agreement. You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them directly. You can find the waiting times of the providers on this site.
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 is to assist your doctor to understand the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. It is important to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
Find out more about exercising your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It's important to note that the NHS currently doesn't offer an titration service for medicines through the Right to Choose pathway. Therefore, even if you are diagnosed via this method, you might not be able to access the medication you need.
Private clinics are among the other ways to get an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer affordable and quick diagnosis of ADHD. These shortcuts can have serious consequences if trying to claim benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, as an example.
It's important to remember that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs which means they are subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing a crime when using these medications, you could face a large fine, or even a prison sentence.
In addition to the above If you're diagnosed with ADHD through the NHS or privately, you'll be eligible for disability benefits in the form of Attendance Allowance or Income Support dependent on the severity of your condition. You'll also have to provide a letter from the service provider proving this, along with the copy of your medical record.