ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, you have a legal right to choose who offers your specialized NHS mental health examinations. Healthcare professionals may not all have the necessary qualifications to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has been told by patients and whistleblowers that some private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing drugs with no proper tests. We went undercover to find out more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a consultation with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and determine whether medication could aid. You'll need to provide information about your symptoms and any problems they cause. You will also be asked about your family and work life. Some patients find it beneficial to note notes of their symptoms prior to the appointment. This helps them remember them. An assessment typically requires a 45 to 90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist.
You can have an adult ADHD evaluation through the NHS or privately. Doctors must take ADHD concerns seriously and suggest you undergo an assessment. The system is not without its problems. The BBC's Panorama programme raised concerns regarding the long-term use of powerful medications being given out by doctors and the lack of proper care and consideration for patients' medical history.
If you are worried about your GP's attitude to ADHD Try a different GP. On the Psychiatry UK website you can find an aid that contains templates and tips for making your request.
Private psychiatric treatment is quicker and more professional, especially in London. The price ranges from PS600 up to PS1,200. adhd private assessment IamPsychiatry are experienced in conducting assessments of adults with diverse backgrounds and can offer a tailored approach, especially in cases where you might be highly knowledgeable or have a successful career. They can also assess for and offer help with any co-morbidities typically 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 be required to show six characteristics (symptoms), which are present in your current life and how they've affected your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then inform you on your options and the next steps. You can decide to start treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants are classified as a class B drug, and are controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They must be prescribed by an experienced psychiatrist or a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that refers to the recognition of a condition, illness or injury. A doctor will provide a diagnosis and often accompany it with an action plan. The process of diagnosis is an integral part of the course for medical students and is a crucial part of the education of doctors in all areas of medicine. The term is often used in medical journals as well as in articles on health care.
There are many methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One method is to go to your GP and ask them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or a clinic. A private psychiatrist can provide the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in diagnosing ADHD in adults and provide a faster, more professional and more empathetic process. They also tend to have a better understanding of other conditions that may confuse symptoms with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist after you've been diagnosed. This may include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with other non-medicated treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You then have the option of deciding if you want to take up the option that best meets your needs.
In addition to enabling you to receive treatment for your ADHD The diagnosis can aid you in getting reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). In the case of DSA this is especially important because it assists with daily activities that those who suffer from disabilities or illnesses require to perform.
If you're considering stimulants such as methylphenidate for treating your ADHD Be aware that these drugs are class B drugs and could cause addiction. If you're worried, your psychiatrist can refer to an GP who can prescribe a treatment with no stimulants.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and frustrating process. There are a myriad of aspects to take into consideration and the NHS is often over-stretched and under-resourced, so it's easy for GPs and other health professionals, to dismiss or minimize any possible diagnosis. It can be helpful to take your symptoms with you to the assessment and try to be as objective as possible when explaining the symptoms.
How can I obtain a medical diagnosis?
If you are concerned that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD, the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that cause disruption to your life is to get diagnosed. It can be an emotional process, but it's important to understand that the condition is not a sign of laziness or insufficiency; it is a normal neurobiological condition. It is also vital to realise that the right treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
To diagnose you, a professional will usually assess you through an extensive history and discussion about your current symptoms, and also analyze the results from questionnaires and scales that have been designed to identify ADHD in adults. They then apply the criteria set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to make an accurate diagnosis.
The evaluator also interviews you and your family members and may conduct medical tests or cognitive tests to determine any underlying causes for your symptoms. This can include things like seizures and thyroid disorders that can have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is essential to be honest about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, at work or school. This will enable the examiner to determine if you have ADHD or a co-existing disorder that is contributing to your symptoms.
If you're thinking of taking medication, your clinician will talk to you about it once the evaluation is completed. Doctors are not permitted to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they may offer other treatments for mental health such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to get a prescription from your physician who will create a form called a Shared Care Agreement for your GP which outlines the treatment you will receive on the NHS.
Before you go for a private diagnosis It is recommended 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 the providers in your area, and read about the different methods they use. You can also try BetterHelp's user-friendly service to be matched with an experienced therapist within 48 hours.
Do I have the ability to get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?
If you're a member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose the mental health professional you're directed to for an ADHD assessment. You'll need to make sure that your GP will accept either full treatment or a'shared care agreement' after your chosen doctor discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT therapy or medication). You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them direct. You can find the waiting times of the providers on this site.
If your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and the time when they began. This will help your doctor better know your symptoms and the impact on your daily 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 is important to note that the NHS currently doesn't offer a titration service for medications through the Right to Choose pathway. So, even if you get diagnosed through this route, you may not be eligible for the medication you need.
There are many other routes to an ADHD diagnosis, including private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics which provide affordable and quick diagnoses of ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious consequences if seeking to claim benefits like Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for example.
It's important to remember that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are Class B drugs, and therefore are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are found guilty of committing a crime when you are taking these medications, you could face a large fine or even jail time.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately you may be entitled to disability benefits, such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, depending on the severity. You'll also need to provide a letter from the provider to prove this, as well as the copy of your medical documents.