ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have a legal right to choose who provides your specialist NHS mental health examinations. Some healthcare professionals do not have the necessary qualifications to be able to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has heard from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe drugs without proper checks. We went undercover in order to find out more.
What is an assessment of an initiative?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the effects of ADHD on your life and whether medications can assist. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will be asked questions about your family and work life. Some patients find it helpful to write down their symptoms prior to the appointment. This is to help them remember them. A psychiatrist will usually spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
There are two main ways to receive an adult ADHD assessment There are two main ways to get an assessment for ADHD: the NHS or private. GPs should take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are willing to refer you to an assessment. The system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful drugs over prolonged periods of time and not considering the medical history of patients.
If you are concerned about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD, consider finding another GP. On the Psychiatry-UK site, you will find a resource that includes templates and guidelines to make your request.
Private psychiatric treatment can provide an accelerated and expert diagnosis, especially in London. Costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience of conducting assessments of adults with diverse backgrounds and can offer a tailored approach, especially in cases where you might be extremely intelligent or successful in your job. They can also assess for and assist with any co-morbidities typically associated with ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
The Psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to demonstrate six traits (symptoms) that are present in your daily life and how they have affected your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist then informs you of your options and the next steps. You can decide to begin treatment, which can involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. These stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They require prescription from a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is the medical term for identifying an injury, disease or condition. A diagnosis is made by a doctor and is usually accompanied by a treatment plan. The diagnosis is a major component of the curriculum of medical students and is an integral part in the education of doctors in all areas of medicine. Medical journals often use the term "diagnosis" and it is frequently included in periodicals about health care.
There are several ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist can make an assessment. Private psychiatrists generally have a lot of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can offer the most rapid, competent and knowledgeable process. They are also aware of other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
If you've received a diagnosis, you can discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This could include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) along with other non-medicated therapies such relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can decide which treatment option is best suited to your needs.
In addition to allowing you to seek 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 particularly important because it assists with daily activities that people with disabilities or illnesses need to be able to carry out.
If you're thinking of trying stimulants such as methylphenidate for ADHD, be aware that they are class B drugs, which could cause addiction. If you're concerned your psychiatrist could refer you to a GP who can prescribe a treatment with no stimulants.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and stressful process. There are a number of aspects to take into consideration and the NHS system is often over overwhelmed and under-funded, so it can be very easy for GPs or other health professionals to dismiss or downplay a potential diagnosis. You can bring a list of symptoms to the examination and try to be objective when you describe your symptoms.
How do I find out if I have an appointment for a diagnosis?
If you are concerned that you or your child might have ADHD, the first step to gain control over symptoms that can disrupt life is getting a diagnosis. It's a challenging process, but it's important to remember that ADHD is not an indication of laziness or lack of intelligence. It is a neurobiological disorder. It is also important to recognize that the proper treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of your living.
To determine your condition an expert will typically assess you through an extensive description of your current symptoms as well as analysing the results of questionnaires and scales designed to identify ADHD in adults. They then apply the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to determine a reliable diagnosis.
The evaluator will also interview you and your family members, and may conduct medical tests or cognitive tests in order to rule out any underlying causes for your symptoms. This can include things like seizures and thyroid disorders which may have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is essential to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they impact you at home, work or school. This is so that the evaluator will be able to determine if you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing disorder which is causing your symptoms.
After the assessment is completed the doctor will discuss medication options with you if you are considering these. The GP is not able to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they can offer other treatments for mental health such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you choose to obtain a prescription from your clinician who will create a form called a Shared Care Agreement for your GP that specifies the treatment you will receive on the NHS.
Asking your family and friends to recommend professionals with expertise in ADHD evaluations of adults is a great idea prior to undergoing an assessment in private. You can also search online for reviews of the providers in your area and read about the various methods they use. You can also use BetterHelp's simple service to get matched within 48 hours to an experienced therapist.
Can I get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
You are entitled to choose your mental health provider for an ADHD evaluation if you're an active military service. You'll have to ensure that your GP will accept full care or something called a 'shared care agreement' after the chosen provider has discharged you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT therapy or medication). You can find out which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them direct. You can find the waiting times of providers by visiting this website.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and when they began, if you GP recommends an ADHD specialist via the Right to Choose path. This is to assist your doctor to understand the extent of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
You can find out more about how to exercise 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. If you're diagnosed using this method, you might not be in a position to get the medication you require.
There are a number of alternative routes to an ADHD diagnosis which include private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer affordable and quick diagnosis of ADHD. These methods could have serious repercussions, such as if you are trying to claim benefits such as the Disabled Students allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.
cheap private adhd assessment to note that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are Class B drugs and are therefore subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing an offense while taking these drugs, you may be punished with a substantial fine or even imprisonment.
In addition to the above If you're diagnosed with ADHD through the NHS or privately, you will be entitled to disability benefits in the form of Attendance Allowance or Income Support according to the severity of your condition. You will need to supply a letter from your provider that proves this, along with a copy of your medical records.