ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to choose the person who provides your specialist NHS mental health assessments. Not all healthcare professionals are qualified to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has heard from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication without proper checks. We went undercover to find out more.
What is an assessment of an initiative?
An assessment is a meeting with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and determine whether medication might help. You'll be asked to provide details of your symptoms and any problems they are causing. You will be asked questions about your work and family life. Some patients find it helpful to note notes of their symptoms prior to the appointment. This is so they can remember them. A psychiatrist will usually spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
There are two ways to receive an adult ADHD assessment There are two main ways to get an assessment for ADHD: the NHS or private. Doctors should take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be willing to refer you for an assessment. However, the system is not without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about long-term prescriptions of powerful medications being given out by doctors and an absence of proper treatment and consideration given to patients' medical history.
If you're concerned about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD you should consider seeking out a different GP. There's a great resource on the Psychiatry-UK website which offers tips for doing this and templates for letters that you can use to submit your request.
Private psychiatric services are more efficient and professional, particularly in London. The cost ranges between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in conducting assessments of adults with diverse backgrounds and can provide specific solutions, particularly in situations where you may be extremely intelligent or successful in your job. They can also screen and help with co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety, that are often associated with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist will assess your symptoms and use the DSM V criteria to determine whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to demonstrate six traits (symptoms), which are present in your life today and how they've had an impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist then informs you on your options and the next steps. You may choose to start treatment, which can involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants belong to the class B drug and therefore controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They require prescription from an experienced psychiatrist or a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a medical term for identifying an injury, disease or condition. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is often followed by 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 working in all areas of medicine. Medical journals often use the word and it is often used in periodical articles about health care.
There are a variety of ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One way is to see your GP and request them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or a clinic. A private psychiatrist is also able to perform an assessment. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in diagnosing ADHD in adults and can offer a quicker professional, more thorough, and more understanding process. They also tend to be more aware of other conditions that may confuse 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, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and other non-medicated treatments such as relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You then have the option of deciding if you'd like to choose the treatment that is most suitable for your requirements.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also help you obtain reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is particularly crucial in the case of DSA because it aids those with disabilities and illnesses with their daily activities.
If you are thinking about using stimulants such as methylphenidate for your ADHD, be aware that they are class B drugs which means that they could lead to addiction. If you're worried your psychiatrist may refer you to a GP who can prescribe a treatment without stimulants.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and frustrating process. There are a variety of aspects to take into consideration and the NHS system is often stressed and under-funded, so it can be very easy for GPs and other health professionals to dismiss or deny a diagnosis. You can bring a list of symptoms to the assessment and try to be honest when describing your symptoms.
How do I obtain a diagnosis?
You or your child may have ADHD. The first step to controlling symptoms that could disrupt your life is to get a diagnosis. It can be a difficult process, but it's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of lazyness or lack of intelligence. It is an underlying neurobiological disorder. It is essential to recognize that the right treatment will assist you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
A qualified professional will identify you by combining a detailed medical history, a review of your present symptoms, and analyzing the results of scales and questionnaires that are designed to determine ADHD in adults. They then apply the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to determine a reliable diagnosis.
In addition to interviewing you and those close to you, the person evaluating you may want to carry out cognitive tests or medical examinations to determine if there are any underlying causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues and seizures, which can have the same symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is essential to be honest about your symptoms and how they impact you adhd private assessment uk at work, home or at school. This is so that the evaluator can determine if you have an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing disorder which is causing your symptoms.
Once the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss your options regarding medication in the event that you are considering these. GPs are not allowed to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they may provide other mental health treatments such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you opt to get an appointment, your therapist will prepare paperwork for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement, which specifies what treatment you will be receiving on the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Before you take a private diagnosis it is recommended to ask your friends and family for recommendations of experts who have experience in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also read reviews online about providers in your locality and learn more about their procedures. BetterHelp also offers a simple service to get matched within 48 hours with an experienced therapist.
Can I 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 directed to for an ADHD assessment. After your chosen provider has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) it is your responsibility to ensure that your GP accepts either full-time care or a shared care agreement. Contacting the provider directly will let you find out if they are covered by contracts with NHS. You can also find the waiting time on this website before deciding to go with a specific provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and the time they began in the event that your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist via the Right to Choose path. This will help your provider understand the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. It's important to answer these honestly and clearly.
You can learn more about how to exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It's worth noting that the NHS currently doesn't offer an titration service for medicines through the Right to Choose pathway. If you get diagnosed through this method, you might not be in a position to get the medication you need.
There are a number of alternative routes to an ADHD diagnosis, including private clinics. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that provide rapid, inexpensive diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These shortcuts can be dangerous if you're trying to claim benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for instance.
It's important to know that stimulants that are prescribed for ADHD fall under the category of Class B drugs, and are subject to restrictions under The Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are convicted of committing a crime when you are taking these drugs, you could face a large fine or even imprisonment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately you may be eligible for disability benefits, such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, based on the degree of the disorder. You will also need to submit a letter from the service provider that proves this, along with the copy of your medical records.