ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK it is your legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health assessments. But not all healthcare professionals are qualified to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has been told by whistleblowers and patients that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing drugs with no proper tests. 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 whether medication could help. You'll be asked to bring details of your symptoms as well as any issues they are causing. You will also be asked about your work and family life. Some patients find it helpful to write down symptoms before their appointment. They can then remember them. A psychiatrist will typically spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
You can get an adult ADHD evaluation through the NHS or privately. Doctors must take ADHD concerns seriously and recommend you to an assessment. However, the system is not without flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful drugs over long 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 Psychiatry-UK site there is an aid that contains templates and guidelines to submit your request.
Private psychiatric services provide an accelerated and expert diagnosis, especially in London. The cost ranges from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience conducting assessments of people from different backgrounds, and are able to provide a tailored treatment plan, particularly if you're highly skilled or have a lucrative career. They can also screen for and assist with co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety which are typically associated with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist will assess your symptoms and use the DSM V criteria to determine whether you are eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. You will need to demonstrate at least six characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they have had an impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then inform you on your options and next steps. You can decide to start treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are a class B drug, and are is controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They must be prescribed by a psychiatrist or a doctor who is registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is the medical term for identifying the cause of a condition, injury or condition. A doctor will provide a diagnosis and often accompany it with a treatment plan. Diagnostics are a significant element of the curriculum for medical students and is an integral component of the training of doctors who work in all fields of medicine. Medical journals often use the word "diagnosis" and is often included in periodicals about health care.
There are private adhd assessment of methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One option is to visit your GP and ask them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. Another way is to get an individual psychiatrist to make an assessment. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults and offer a quicker professional, more thorough and more empathetic process. They are also aware of other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
Once you have received a diagnosis you are able to discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This can include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), along with other non-medicated therapies such relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can decide which treatment option best suits your needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also assist you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is particularly important in the case of DSA as it assists people with disabilities and illnesses in their daily routine.
If you are thinking about trying stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD be aware that these are class B drugs, which could lead to addiction. If you are concerned about this, your doctor can refer you to an GP who may prescribe a different form of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and stressful process. There are many aspects to take into consideration as well as the NHS system is often stressed and under-funded, so it can be extremely easy for doctors or other health professionals to ignore or deny a diagnosis. You may bring a list of symptoms to the examination, and try to be honest when describing your symptoms.
How do I get a diagnosis?
You or your child may have ADHD. The first step in addressing the symptoms that could disrupt your life is to obtain an diagnosis. It can be a difficult process, but it's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign laziness or a lack of intelligence. It is a neurobiological disorder. It is important to understand that the correct treatment can assist you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
A professional will diagnose you by combining a detailed history as well as a discussion of your current symptoms, and analyzing the results of scales and questionnaires designed to detect ADHD in adults. They then apply the criteria established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The evaluator will also interview you and your family members and may conduct medical or cognitive tests to rule out any root causes behind your symptoms. This could include things such as seizures and thyroid disorders which may have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is crucial to be open about your symptoms and how they impact you at home, work or school. This is so that the evaluator can determine if you have an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing condition which is causing your symptoms.
If you're considering medication, your doctor will talk to you about it after the assessment has been completed. The GP is not able to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to offer other treatments for mental health like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you do opt to get a prescription, your clinician will create a form for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement that specifies what treatment you'll be receiving on the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Before you go for an individual diagnosis, it is a good idea to ask your family and friends for recommendations of experts who have experience in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also search the internet for reviews of providers in your area, and read about the different methods they use. You can also try BetterHelp's user-friendly service to be matched with an experienced therapist within 48 hours.
Can I get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
If you're a member of the Armed Forces, you have a right to choose which mental health provider you're directed to for an ADHD assessment. You'll need to ensure that your GP will accept full care or a shared care agreement' after your chosen provider discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually medication or CBT therapy). You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them directly. You can check the waiting times of the providers on this site.
If your GP recommends 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 allow your doctor to better know your symptoms and the impact on your life. It is important to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
You can learn more about how to exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It's important to note that the NHS currently does not offer a titration service for medications through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you're diagnosed through this method, you may still not be able access the medication that you require.
There are many alternative routes to an ADHD diagnosis, including private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer quick and cheap diagnosis of ADHD. These practices could have serious repercussions, such as when you attempt to claim benefits like the Disabled Students Allowance or other reasonable accommodations at work.
It is important to remember that stimulants prescribed for ADHD fall under the category of Class B drugs, and are subject to restrictions under The Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing an offense of a criminal nature when you're taking these medications, you could face a substantial fine and/or imprisonment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately you may be entitled to disability benefits like Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, based on the severity. You'll also have to provide a letter from the provider to prove this, as well as the copy of your medical records.