ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to choose who offers your specialized NHS mental health assessments. Some healthcare professionals do not have the qualifications to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has been informed by patients and whistleblowers that some private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing medications, often without proper examinations. We conducted an undercover investigation to learn more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a consultation with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and determine if medication can aid. You will be asked to give details 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 their appointment. This is to help them remember their symptoms. An assessment typically includes a 45-90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist.
You can obtain an adult ADHD evaluation through the NHS or privately. The GP must take ADHD concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. However, the system is not without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful drugs for prolonged periods of time and not taking into consideration the medical background of patients.
If you are worried about your GP's views on ADHD, try another GP. On the website of Psychiatry-UK there is an aid that contains templates and tips 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 have experience of screening adults from a variety of backgrounds and can offer an individual approach, particularly in cases where you might be extremely knowledgeable or have a successful career. They can also screen and help with co-morbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are typically present in conjunction with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines if you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will need to demonstrate at least six characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and the next steps. You can decide to begin treatment that involves stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They are prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is the medical term used to identify the cause of a condition, injury or condition. A doctor will issue a diagnosis and often accompany it with a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major component of the medical school curriculum and is an integral component of the education of doctors who work in all areas of medicine. Medical journals frequently use the term "diagnosis" and it is frequently used in periodical articles about health care.
There are many methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. Another option is to ask a private psychiatrist to perform a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists typically have a lot of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can offer an accelerated, more professional and understanding process. They are also aware of other conditions which may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
If you've received a diagnosis and have a treatment plan, you can discuss options with your psychiatrist. This can include medications, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medicated treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can decide which treatment option is best suited to your requirements.
In addition to allowing you to get treatment for your ADHD, a diagnosis can help you access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This is especially important in the case of DSA, as it helps people with disabilities and illnesses with their daily routine.
If you are thinking about using stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD Be aware that these are class B drugs which means that they could cause addiction. If you're concerned your psychiatrist could refer you to a GP who can prescribe a treatment without stimulants.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and frustrating process. There are a variety of aspects to take into consideration, and the NHS system is often over stretched and under resourced which means it can be very easy for GPs or other health professionals to ignore or minimize a possible diagnosis. You may bring a list of symptoms to the examination and be objective when you describe your symptoms.
How can I obtain an medical diagnosis?
If you are concerned that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD, the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that can disrupt your life is obtaining an diagnosis. It can be an emotional process, but it is crucial to recognize that the disorder is not a sign of laziness or a lack of intelligence. it is merely a neurological condition. It is also vital to realize that the correct treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
To diagnose you an expert will typically assess you through a combination of a detailed background and discussion of your current symptoms, as well as analysing the results from questionnaires and scales that have been created to detect ADHD in adults. They'll then apply the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to identify the cause of your symptoms.
The evaluator also interviews you and your family members, and could conduct medical or cognitive tests to rule out any root causes behind your symptoms. This can include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions, which can often have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is crucial to be open about your issues, and how they affect you at home, work or at school. This will help the examiner to determine if you suffer from ADHD or a coexisting condition which is contributing your symptoms.
If you're considering medication, your clinician will talk to you about it once the evaluation is completed. The GP is not able to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they may offer other treatments for mental health like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you choose to obtain a prescription from your physician and 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 go for an individual diagnosis it is recommended to consult your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have experience with ADHD assessments for adults. You can also look online for reviews of providers in your area and learn about the different methods they use. You can also make use of BetterHelp's simple service to match within a matter of 48 hours with a therapist who is experienced.
Do I have the ability to get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
You are entitled to select your mental health professional to conduct an ADHD assessment if you're an active member of the military service. 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 treatment, or what's known as a shared care agreement. Contacting the provider directly will allow you to find out if they have contracts with NHS. You can also find the waiting times on this site before deciding to go 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 when they first started. This will help your provider understand the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. It's important to answer these honestly and clearly.
You can find out more about how you can exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It's important to note that the NHS currently doesn't provide an titration service for medicines through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if adhd assessment for adults private are diagnosed using this method, you may still not be able access the medication you require.
There are a number of alternative routes to an ADHD diagnosis which include private clinics. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that offer rapid, inexpensive diagnosis for people suffering from ADHD. These methods can have serious consequences if seeking to claim benefits like Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for instance.
It's important to know that stimulants prescribed for ADHD fall under Class B drugs and are subject to restrictions under The Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're convicted of committing an offence of criminal intent while taking these drugs you could face a substantial fine and/or imprisonment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD whether 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 will also need to provide a written confirmation from the healthcare provider that proves this, along with the copy of your medical record.