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 diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has heard from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications without proper tests. We delved into the dark to learn 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 details about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will also be asked about your family and work life. Some patients find it beneficial to write notes of their symptoms prior to their appointment. This is to help them remember them. 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. GPs must take ADHD concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. The system is not without its problems. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over 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 consider a different GP. On the Psychiatry-UK site, you will find templates and guidelines to submit your request.
Private psychiatric services are faster and more professional, particularly in London. The price ranges from PS600 up to PS1,200. private adhd assessment adults have experience screening adults from a variety of backgrounds and can offer an individual approach, particularly when you are likely to be extremely knowledgeable or have a successful career. They can also screen and help with co-morbidities, like anxiety and depression, that are often present in conjunction 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 need to demonstrate at least 6 traits (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they impact on your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist will inform you of your options and the next steps. You may decide to begin treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are covered 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 diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that means the identification of a condition, disease or injury. A doctor will provide an assessment and usually accompany it with a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major element of the medical school curriculum and is a crucial part of the training of doctors who work in all fields of medicine. Medical journals often use the word "diagnosis" and is frequently utilized in periodicals on health care.
There are a variety of ways to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One way is to see your GP and request for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or a clinic. Another way is to get an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will make an assessment. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults and offer a quicker, more professional and more thorough process. They also tend to have a better understanding 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 can include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) along with other non-medicated treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can then decide if you'd like to pursue the treatment option that best suits your requirements.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is crucial as it aids in daily activities that those who suffer from disabilities or illnesses require to be able to carry out.
If you're thinking of using stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD be aware that they are class B substances which could lead to addiction. If you're worried your psychiatrist may refer you to a GP who can prescribe a treatment with no stimulants.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and stressful process. There are a variety of factors to consider, and the NHS system is often stressed and under-funded which means it can be very easy for GPs and other health professionals to dismiss or downplay a potential diagnosis. It is helpful to take your list of symptoms to the assessment and try to be as objective as possible when you describe them.
How can I get an medical diagnosis?
Your child or you might be suffering from ADHD. The first step to controlling symptoms that can disrupt your life is to obtain an diagnosis. It's a difficult process, but it is essential to realize that the condition is not a sign of insanity or insufficiency; it is merely a neurological condition. It is also vital to realise that the right treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
To diagnose you an expert will typically assess you through the combination of a thorough description of your current symptoms as well as analysing the results of questionnaires and scales that have been created 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.
In addition to interviewing you and people close to you, the evaluator might be required to conduct cognitive testing or medical exams to rule out any underlying causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues and seizure disorders, which often have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is crucial that you are honest about your symptoms and how they affect your life at home, work, or at school. This is so that the assessor can determine if you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, or a co-existing condition that contributes to your symptoms.
After the assessment is completed your doctor will go over medication options with you if you are considering them. The GP is not able to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they may provide other mental health treatments like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to go for a prescription, your clinician will draft a document for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement, which specifies what treatment you'll receive through the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Before you go for a diagnosis that is private It is recommended to ask your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have expertise in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also search online for reviews of providers in your area, and read about the different methods they use. You can also make use of BetterHelp's simple service to get matched within a matter of 48 hours with an experienced therapist.
Can I receive an appointment for a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
You are entitled to choose your mental health practitioner for an ADHD evaluation if you're an active military service. After your chosen provider has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) then you'll need to confirm that your GP accepts either full-time care, or something called a shared care agreement. You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them direct. You can also check the waiting times of providers by visiting this website.
You will be asked about your symptoms, including the date they started in the event that you GP refers you to an ADHD specialist via the Right to Choose path. This will help your doctor better understand your symptoms and their impact on your life. Answer these questions honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website you can find out more about how you can exercise Your Right to Choose. It is important to note that the NHS currently does not offer an titration service for medicines through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you're diagnosed through this method, you may not be able to access the medication you require.
Private clinics are one of the other options to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that provide rapid, inexpensive diagnoses for people with ADHD. These methods can have serious consequences if seeking to claim benefits like Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for example.
It's important to note that the stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are Class B drugs which means they are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're convicted of committing a criminal offence when you're taking these medications you could face an enormous fine and/or prison.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, either through the NHS or privately, you could be eligible for disability benefits such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, based on the degree of the disorder. You'll need the letter from your healthcare provider to prove this, along with the medical records.