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 received complaints from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe drugs without proper tests. We conducted an undercover investigation to find out more.
What is an assessment of a project?
An assessment is a session with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and to determine if medication can aid. You'll be asked to bring details of your symptoms as well as any issues they are causing. You will also be asked about your family and work schedule. Some patients find it useful to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. They can then recall their symptoms. A psychiatrist will typically spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. GPs must take ADHD concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. However, the system is not without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful drugs over long periods of time, and not taking into consideration the medical background of patients.
If you're worried about the attitude of your GP toward ADHD you should consider seeking out 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 present your request.
Private psychiatric treatment can provide the fastest and most professional diagnosis, particularly in London. The price is ranging from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience of screening adults from a variety of backgrounds and offer an individual approach, particularly in cases where you might be highly intelligent or successful in your career. They can also assess for and assist with any co-morbidities commonly found alongside ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
The Psychiatrist assesses your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines whether you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to demonstrate six traits (symptoms) that are present in your life today, and how they have affected your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will inform you on your options and the next steps. You may choose to start treatment that involves stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants are a class B drug and therefore controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that means the identification of a condition, illness or injury. A doctor will provide diagnosis and often follow it with a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major part of the curriculum for medical students and is an integral component of the education of doctors in all areas of medicine. Medical journals often use the term "diagnosis" and it is often included in periodicals about health care.
There are a number of methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One method is to go to your GP and ask for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. Another way is to get an individual psychiatrist to make a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in diagnosing ADHD in adults and offer a quicker more efficient, professional, and more understanding process. They also have a greater awareness of other conditions that may confuse symptoms with ADHD like anxiety and depression.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist once you have been diagnosed. This may include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medication therapies such relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can decide which treatment option is most suitable for 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 who suffer from disabilities or illnesses require to perform.
If you're considering stimulants like methylphenidate to treat ADHD be aware that these drugs are class B drugs and can cause addiction. If you are worried about this, your doctor may refer you to a GP who can prescribe a different type of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
It can be a frustrating and difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis. There are many factors to consider as well as the NHS system is often overwhelmed and under-funded and it is very easy for GPs and other health professionals to ignore or downplay a potential diagnosis. It is a good idea to bring your symptoms with you to the assessment and try to be as objective as possible when describing them.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
You or your child may have ADHD. The first step to controlling symptoms that could disrupt your life is to obtain a diagnosis. It is a psychological process, but it's important to understand that the disorder is not a sign of laziness or insufficiency; it is simply a neurological condition. It is essential to recognize that the right treatment will aid you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
A specialist will determine your diagnosis by combining a detailed history as well as a discussion of your current symptoms, and then analyzing the results of questionnaires and scales designed to identify ADHD in adults. They'll then apply the criteria established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to identify the cause of your symptoms.
In addition to interviewing you and those close to you, the evaluator might be required to conduct medical tests or cognitive tests to determine if there are any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include thyroid disorders and seizures, which typically have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the evaluation it is essential to be open about your symptoms and how they impact your life at home, work or school. This is so that the evaluator can determine if you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, or a co-existing condition that is contributing to your symptoms.
Once the assessment is complete the doctor will discuss medication options with you if you are considering them. Doctors are not able to prescribe ADHD medications, but they can offer other kinds of mental health treatments, such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you opt to get a prescription, your clinician will draft a document for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement, which specifies what treatment you'll receive on the NHS and with whom.
Asking your family and friends for recommendations of experts with expertise in ADHD assessments of adults is a good idea prior to undergoing a private assessment. You can also look online for reviews of providers in your area and learn about the various methods they employ. If you prefer, you can use BetterHelp's simple-to-use service to be connected with a therapist who is experienced within 48 hours.
Do I have the ability to get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?
You are entitled to choose your mental health practitioner to conduct an ADHD evaluation if you're an active member of the military service. You'll have to ensure that your GP will accept full care or a'shared care agreement' when your chosen provider discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually medication or CBT therapy). You can find out which providers have these contracts with the NHS by calling them directly. You can also look up waiting times on this website before deciding to go with a particular provider.
If your GP recommends you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions about your symptoms and when they started. This will assist your doctor to understand the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Answer these questions in a clear and honest manner.
You can learn more about how to exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. private adult adhd assessment near me is currently not offering the option of titration for medicines through the Right to Choose path. If you get diagnosed through this route, you may not be in a position to get the medication you require.
Private clinics are one of the other methods to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics which provide quick and cheap diagnosis of ADHD. These practices could have serious consequences, such as the case if you want to claim benefits such as the Disabled Students Allowance or other reasonable accommodations at work.
It's important to remember that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are Class B drugs, and therefore are subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are convicted of committing a crime while taking these drugs, you could be punished with a substantial fine, or even a prison sentence.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD whether through the NHS or privately, you could be eligible for benefits for disabled people like Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, depending on the degree of the disorder. You will need to supply a letter from your provider to prove this, along with the medical records.