ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to choose who offers your specialized NHS mental health exams. Not all healthcare professionals are qualified to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has received complaints from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications without proper tests. We conducted an undercover investigation to learn more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a meeting with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and determine if medication can help. You'll need to bring details of your symptoms as well as any issues they are causing. You will be asked questions about your family and work life. Some patients find it beneficial to note down their symptoms before their appointment. This is to help them remember their symptoms. An assessment typically includes a 45-90 minutes of discussion with the psychiatrist.
There are two main methods to obtain an adult ADHD assessment: the NHS or private. The GP should take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be prepared to refer you for an assessment. However this system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful medications for long periods of time, and not taking into consideration the medical background of patients.
If you are concerned about the attitude of your doctor to ADHD consider a different GP. There's a helpful resource on the Psychiatry UK website that gives tips about doing this, as well as templates for letters that you can use to make your request.
Private psychiatric treatment is more efficient and professional, particularly in London. The costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience conducting assessments of adults with diverse backgrounds and can provide an individual approach, particularly when you are likely to be highly intelligent or successful in your career. They can also screen for and help with co-morbidities, like anxiety and depression which are frequently found along with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist examines your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of 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. These stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They are only prescribed by a psychiatrist or a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a medical term that refers to the recognition of a condition, illness or injury. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is often followed by a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major component of the curriculum for medical students and is an integral part of the training of doctors working in all fields of medicine. The term is often used in medical journals and in articles on health care.
There are many ways to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in UK. You can request your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist is also able to perform the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in diagnosing ADHD in adults and can offer a quicker, more professional, and more understanding process. private adhd assessment uk are also aware of other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
Once you have been diagnosed you are able to discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This can include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medication therapies such relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You then have the option of deciding if you want to take up the treatment that is most suitable for your requirements.
In addition to enabling you to get treatment for your ADHD A diagnosis can also aid you in getting reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). In the case of DSA this is crucial because it helps with day-to-day activities that those with disabilities or illnesses have to do.
If you're thinking about stimulants such as methylphenidate for treating your ADHD be aware that these are class B drugs and could cause addiction. If you're concerned about this, your doctor may refer you to a GP who can prescribe a different kind of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
It can be frustrating and challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis. There are a variety of factors to consider as well as the NHS system is often over stretched and under resourced, so it can be very easy for GPs and other health professionals to ignore or downplay a potential diagnosis. You can bring a list of symptoms to the examination and be objective when describing your symptoms.
How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?
You or your child may have ADHD. The first step in addressing the symptoms that can affect your life is to obtain an diagnosis. It's a difficult process, but it's crucial to recognize that the condition is not a sign of insanity or lack of intelligence; it is simply a neurobiological issue. It is essential to recognize that the correct treatment can help you manage your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
To diagnose you an expert will typically examine you with the combination of a thorough 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 then apply the criteria established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to make an accurate diagnosis.
The evaluator will also interview you and your family members, and could conduct medical tests or cognitive tests in order to rule out any underlying causes for your symptoms. This can include thyroid disorders and seizures, which typically have the same symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is essential that you are honest about your symptoms and how they affect you at home, work or school. This is so that the examiner will be able to determine if you have an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing disorder which is causing your symptoms.
Once the assessment is complete, your clinician will discuss your options regarding medication If you are thinking about them. The GP is not able to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they can provide other mental health treatments like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to get an appointment with your doctor who will create a form called a Shared care agreement for your GP that outlines the treatment you will receive through the NHS.
Asking your friends and family members for recommendations of professionals who have expertise in ADHD assessments of adults is a great idea prior to taking an assessment in private. You can also search online for reviews of the providers in your area and learn about the various methods they employ. BetterHelp also offers a simple service to get matched within a matter of 48 hours with an experienced therapist.
Can I get a diagnosis using Right to Choose?
If you're an active member of the Armed Forces, you have a right to choose which mental health professional you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. You'll need to ensure that your GP will accept full care or a shared care agreement' after the chosen provider has discharged you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT therapy or medication). Contacting the provider directly will enable you to find out if they have agreements with NHS. You can find the waiting times of providers on this website.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and the time they began, if you GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This is to help your provider understand the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Answer these questions with honesty and clarity.
You can find out more about exercising your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It's worth noting that the NHS currently does not offer an titration service for medicines through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you're diagnosed with this method, you may still not be able access the medication that you need.
There are a variety of alternatives to an ADHD diagnosis that include private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer quick and cheap diagnosis of ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious consequences, such as when you attempt to claim benefits such as the Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.
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're found guilty of an offence of criminal intent when you're taking these medications you could be subject to a substantial fine and/or imprisonment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, either through the NHS or privately, you could be entitled to disability benefits like Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, depending on the degree of the disorder. You'll need to provide the letter from your healthcare provider which proves this, along with an original copy of your medical records.