ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, you have a legal right to choose who offers your specialized NHS mental health exams. Healthcare professionals may not all are qualified to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has been told by patients and whistleblowers that private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medications frequently without proper examinations. We went undercover in order to find out more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a session with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and to determine whether medication could aid. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will also be asked about your work and family life. Some patients find it helpful to note down their symptoms before their appointment. This is to help them remember them. An assessment typically includes a 45-90 minutes of discussion with the psychiatrist.
You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. The GP must take ADHD concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. The system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama programme raised questions regarding the long-term use of powerful medications being given out by doctors and a lack of proper treatment and consideration given to patients' medical history.
If you are concerned about your GP's views on ADHD Try a different GP. There's a great resource on the Psychiatry UK website that provides tips on how to do this and templates for letters that you can use to make your request.
Private psychiatric treatment is faster and more professional, especially in London. The costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in conducting assessments of adults with diverse backgrounds and offer a tailored approach, especially when you are likely to be highly knowledgeable or have a successful career. They can also assess for and provide assistance with any co-morbidities often associated with ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
The Psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and apply the DSM V criteria to determine whether you meet the criteria for 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 past experiences.
The Psychiatrist then informs you on your options and the next steps. You may decide to begin treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are a class B drug and therefore subject to 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 a term used in medicine that refers to the diagnosis of a condition, illness or injury. A doctor will provide diagnosis and often follow it with an action plan. Diagnosis is a major component of the curriculum for medical students and is an integral component of the education of doctors who work in all fields of medicine. Medical journals often use the term "diagnosis" and it is frequently included in periodicals about health care.
There are a number of ways to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist can provide a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults and can offer a quicker professional, more thorough, and more understanding process. They are also aware of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
After you have received a diagnosis, you can discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This could include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with other non-medicated treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You then have the option of deciding if you'd like to choose 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 because it helps with day-to-day activities that those with disabilities or illnesses have to perform.
If you're considering stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD be aware that these drugs are class B drugs and could cause addiction. If you're concerned, your psychiatrist can refer to an GP that can prescribe a treatment that isn't dependent on stimulants.
It can be frustrating and challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis. There are many aspects to take into consideration and the NHS is often over-stretched and under-funded, which makes it easy for GPs, and other health professionals to dismiss or minimize any possible diagnosis. It is helpful to bring your symptoms to the assessment and try to be as objective as you can when describing the symptoms.
How do I obtain an appointment for a diagnosis?
You or your child may be suffering from ADHD. The first step to controlling symptoms that could disrupt your life is to get a diagnosis. It's a difficult process, but it is important to understand that the condition is not a sign of insanity or lack of intelligence; it is simply a neurological condition. It is also important to recognize that the proper treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
To diagnose you, a professional will usually examine you with a combination of a detailed description of your current symptoms, and also analyzing the results from questionnaires and scales that have been designed to identify ADHD in adults. They'll 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 things such as thyroid disorders and seizure conditions that can have similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the assessment it is essential to be honest about your symptoms and how they affect your life at home, work or school. This will help the evaluator to determine whether you have ADHD or a co-existing condition which is contributing your symptoms.
Once the evaluation is completed the doctor will discuss medication options with you If you are thinking about these. Doctors are not able to prescribe ADHD medications, but they can provide other types of mental health treatments such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you choose to seek an appointment, your therapist will create a form for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement, which specifies the type of treatment you will receive on the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Before you go for a private diagnosis, it is a good idea to ask your family and friends for recommendations of experts who have experience with ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also search online for reviews of providers in your area and read about the different methods they use. BetterHelp also offers a simple service to be matched within 48 hours to an experienced therapist.
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 recommended to for an ADHD assessment. You'll have to ensure that your GP will accept either full care or a'shared care agreement' after your chosen provider discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT or medication). Calling the providers directly will enable you to find out if they have agreements with NHS. You can also find waiting times on this website before deciding to go with a particular provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and the date they started when your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This will assist your doctor to understand the extent of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. It is important to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website, you can learn more about how you can exercise Your Right to Choose. The NHS does not currently provide the option of titration for medicines through the Right to Choose path. So, even if you get diagnosed through this method, you might not be eligible for the medication you require.
There are a number of alternatives to an ADHD diagnosis that include private clinics. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that offer quick, cheap diagnosis for people suffering from ADHD. These methods can have serious consequences if trying to claim benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for instance.
adhd private assessment noting that the stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are Class B drugs and are therefore subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing an offense when using these drugs, you could be liable for a significant fine, or even a prison sentence.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately, you could be eligible for disability benefits such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, based on the severity. You'll also have to provide a letter from the service provider proving this, along with the copy of your medical documents.