ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, it is your legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health tests. Not all healthcare professionals are qualified to be able to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has received complaints from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe drugs without proper tests. We went undercover in order to learn more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a session with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and determine whether medication might aid. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will also be asked about your family and work schedule. Some patients find it helpful to note down their symptoms prior to their appointment. This helps them remember their symptoms. An assessment usually involves a 45 to 90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist.
You can get an adult ADHD evaluation through the NHS or privately. GPs 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 long-term prescriptions of powerful drugs being handed out by doctors and an absence of proper care and consideration for patients' medical history.
If you are concerned about the attitude of your GP toward ADHD you should consider seeking out a different GP. On the Psychiatry-UK site there is a resource that includes templates and suggestions to submit your request.
Private psychiatric treatment is faster and more professional, particularly in London. The cost can range from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in conducting assessments of adults with diverse backgrounds and can provide specific solutions, particularly in cases where you might be extremely skilled or successful in your job. They can also screen for and offer help with any co-morbidities that are often associated with ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
The Psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms based on the DSM V criteria and determines if you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to show at least 6 traits (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they have had an impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will inform you of your options and the next steps. You can choose to begin treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are classified as a class B drug and therefore subject to the Misuse of Drugs Act. They can only be prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a medical term that refers to the diagnosis of a disease, condition or injury. A doctor will make an assessment and usually accompany it with a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major part of the medical school curriculum and is an integral component of the training of doctors working in all areas of medicine. Medical journals often employ the word "diagnosis" and is often included in periodicals about 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. Another way is to get a private psychiatrist to perform a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to offer a quicker, more professional, and more understanding process. They also have a better understanding of other conditions that could cause confusion symptoms with ADHD like anxiety and depression.
Once you have been diagnosed, you can discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This could include medications such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other non-medicated treatments such as relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can choose which treatment option is best suited to your requirements.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also help you get reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is particularly important in the case of DSA, as it helps those who suffer from disabilities and illnesses with their daily activities.
If you're considering stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD, know that these are class B drugs and can cause addiction. If you are worried about this, your doctor can refer you to an GP who may prescribe a different form of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and frustrating process. There are many factors to consider and the NHS system is often over stressed and under-funded which means it can be very easy for GPs or other health professionals to ignore or deny a diagnosis. It is a good idea to take your list of symptoms to the assessment and try to be as objective as you possibly can when explaining them.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
Your child or you may have ADHD. The first step to controlling symptoms that could disrupt your life is to get a diagnosis. It's a challenging procedure, but it's essential to keep in mind that ADHD isn't an indication of laziness or lack of intelligence. private adhd assessments is a neurobiological disorder. It is also vital to realise that the right treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
To identify you, a professional will usually evaluate you by an extensive background and discussion of your current symptoms and also analyzing the results of questionnaires and scales that have been designed to identify ADHD in adults. They will then apply the criteria set forth 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 cognitive tests or medical exams in order to rule out any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include thyroid disorders and seizures, which typically have the same symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is important that you are honest about your symptoms, and how they affect your life at home, work or at school. This is so that the examiner can determine if you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing condition which is causing your symptoms.
After the assessment is completed your doctor will go over medication options with you if you are considering these. GPs cannot prescribe ADHD medication, but they can offer other kinds of mental health treatment such as CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy). If you do decide to go for an appointment, your therapist will prepare paperwork for your GP called a Shared Care Agreement that specifies what treatment you will be receiving on the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Before you make an individual diagnosis it is recommended to ask your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have experience with ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also read reviews online regarding the services in your area and learn more about their methods. If you prefer, you can use BetterHelp's easy-to-use service to get matched with an experienced therapist within 48 hours.
Can I get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?
You are entitled to choose your mental health provider for an ADHD assessment if you're an active military service. If your chosen doctor has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) then you'll need to ensure that your GP is willing to accept either full care or a shared care agreement. You can determine which providers have these contracts with the NHS by calling them direct. You can check the waiting times of providers by visiting this website.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and the time they began, if your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist via the Right to Choose path. This is to help your provider understand the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Answer these questions with honesty and clarity.
On the NHS website you can find out more about how to exercise Your Right to Choose. 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 using this route, you might still not be able access the medication you need.
Private clinics are one of the other methods to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that provide affordable, quick diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These shortcuts can have serious consequences if you're seeking benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for example.
It's worth noting that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are Class B substances and are therefore subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing a criminal offence while taking these drugs, you could face an enormous fine and/or prison.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD whether through the NHS or privately, you could be eligible for benefits for disabled people such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, depending on the severity. You'll also need to provide a letter from the healthcare provider that proves this, along with an official copy of your documents.