ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK it is your legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health assessments. But not all healthcare professionals are certified to determine ADHD.
Panorama has been informed by patients and whistleblowers that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing medication with no proper checks. We went undercover in order to learn more.
What is an assessment?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the impact of ADHD on your life and if medication can assist. You will need to provide information about your symptoms and any problems they cause. You will be asked questions about your family and work life. Some patients find it beneficial to note down their 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.
There are two primary methods to obtain an adult ADHD assessment There are two main ways to get an assessment for ADHD: the NHS or private. The GP must take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be willing to refer you for an assessment. However the 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 account the medical background of patients.
If you are worried about your GP's views on ADHD Try a different GP. There is a good resource on the Psychiatry UK website which offers tips for doing this and templates for letters you can use to submit your request.
Private psychiatric care is much faster and more professional, especially in London. The cost ranges from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in assessing adults of diverse backgrounds, and are able to provide a tailored treatment plan, especially if you are highly educated or have a thriving career. They can also test for and assist with any co-morbidities commonly found alongside ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
The Psychiatrist examines your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to show at least 6 traits (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they impact on your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and the next steps. You can choose to begin treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants belong to the 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 medical term that refers to the recognition of a disease, condition or injury. A doctor will issue diagnosis and often follow it with an action plan. The diagnosis is a major part of the curriculum of medical students and plays a significant role in the education of doctors across all areas of medicine. The term is often used in medical journals and in health-related articles.
There are many ways to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One way is to see your GP and ask for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or a clinic. Another option is to seek an individual psychiatrist to make a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to provide a faster, more professional, and more understanding process. They are also more aware of other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety and depression.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist once you have been diagnosed. This could include medications or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medicated treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You then have the option of deciding if you'd like to pursue the treatment option that best suits your needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to get reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is particularly crucial in the case of DSA because it aids those who suffer from disabilities and illnesses with their daily routine.
If you're thinking about taking stimulants like methylphenidate for your ADHD be aware that they are class B substances which could lead to addiction. If you're worried your psychiatrist may refer you to an GP that can prescribe a treatment with no stimulants.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and frustrating process. There are a number of things to take into account as well as the NHS system is usually over overwhelmed and under-funded, so it can be very easy for GPs and other health professionals to ignore or minimize a possible diagnosis. It is a good idea to bring your list of symptoms for the examination and try to be as objective as you can when explaining them.
How do I get an medical diagnosis?
If you think you or your child could have ADHD, the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that can disrupt life is getting an diagnosis. It's a challenging process, but it's crucial to remember that ADHD is not a sign laziness or a lack of intelligence. It is a neurobiological disorder. It is also important to recognize that the proper treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
A qualified professional will identify you by combining a thorough history, a discussion of your current symptoms, and then analyzing the results of the questionnaires and scales designed to detect ADHD in adults. They will then use the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to determine a reliable diagnose.
In addition to conducting an interview with 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 for your symptoms. This could include thyroid disorders and seizures, which typically exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the evaluation it is crucial to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they impact you at home, school or at work. This will help the evaluator to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or a coexisting condition that is causing your symptoms.
If you're considering medication, your doctor will talk to you about it once the assessment is completed. Doctors are not permitted to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to provide other mental health treatments such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you choose to seek a prescription, your clinician will draft a document for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement which outlines what treatment you'll receive through the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Asking your family and friends for recommendations on experts with expertise in ADHD evaluations for adults is a good idea before you go for an individual assessment. You can also search the internet for reviews of providers in your area and learn about the different methods they employ. You can also make use of BetterHelp's simple service to get matched within a matter of 48 hours with a therapist who is experienced.
Can I get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?
You have the right to choose your mental health practitioner to conduct an ADHD evaluation if you are a member of a military service. You'll need to make sure that your GP will accept either full care or something called a 'shared care agreement' after your chosen provider discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually medication or CBT therapy). Calling the providers directly will enable you to determine if they have contracts with NHS. You can check the waiting times of providers by visiting this website.
If your GP recommends you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and when they first started. This is to aid your doctor in understanding the extent of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website, you can learn more about how to exercise Your Right to Choose. The NHS does not currently provide a titration for medications via the Right to Choose path. Even if you are diagnosed through this method, you may still not be able access the medication that you require.
Private clinics are one of the other options to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that provide rapid, inexpensive diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These practices could have serious consequences for instance, when you attempt to claim benefits like the Disabled Students allowance or reasonable accommodations adhd assessment private uk at work.
It's important to know that stimulants that are prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs and are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are convicted of committing a crime when using these drugs, you could face a large fine or even jail time.
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 Income Support and/or Attendance Allowance depending on the severity of your condition. You'll need to provide the letter from your healthcare provider which proves this, as well as a copy of your medical records.