ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, it is your legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health exams. Some healthcare professionals do not have the qualifications to be able to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has been told by whistleblowers and patients that some private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medication, often without proper tests. We conducted an undercover investigation to learn more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a meeting with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and determine whether medication might help. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will also be asked about your work and family life. Some patients find it beneficial to write down their symptoms before the appointment. This is so they can remember them. A typical assessment includes a 45-90 minutes of discussion with the psychiatrist.
There are two main ways to get an adult ADHD assessment There are two main ways to get an assessment for ADHD: the NHS or private. The GP should take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be prepared to refer you for an assessment. The system is not without its problems. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful drugs for long periods of time, and not taking into consideration the medical background of patients.
If you are worried about the attitude of your doctor to ADHD, try another GP. On the Psychiatry UK website there is an aid that contains templates and tips for making your request.
Private psychiatric services are quicker and more professional, particularly in London. Costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience assessing adults of diverse backgrounds, and are able to provide an individual treatment plan, particularly if you're intelligent or have a successful career. They can also test for and provide assistance with any co-morbidities that are typically associated with ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
The Psychiatrist examines your symptoms based on the DSM V criteria and determines whether you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to show six characteristics (symptoms), which are present in your life today and how they've had an impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and the next steps. You may decide to begin treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They require prescription from a psychiatrist or a doctor who is registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that means the identification of a disease, condition or injury. A doctor will issue a diagnosis and often accompany it with a treatment plan. The process of diagnosis is an integral component of the curriculum for medical students and is an integral part of the education of doctors working in all areas of medicine. Medical journals often use the word "diagnosis" and is often utilized in periodicals on health care.
There are many methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in UK. You can request your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist can also perform the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists generally have extensive experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can offer an accelerated, more professional and understanding process. They also tend to have a greater awareness of other conditions that could cause confusion symptoms with ADHD like anxiety and depression.
Once you have been diagnosed you are able to discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This could include medication or cognitive therapy (CBT), as well as other non-medication therapies such relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can then decide if you'd like to choose the treatment that is most suitable for your requirements.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to obtain reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is especially important as it aids in daily activities that people with disabilities or illnesses need to be able to carry out.
If you're thinking about taking stimulants like methylphenidate for ADHD, be aware that they are class B drugs which could lead to addiction. If you're concerned your psychiatrist could refer you to an GP that can prescribe a treatment with no stimulants.
Receiving an here ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and stressful process. There are a variety of aspects to take into consideration and the NHS is often overstretched and under-resourced, so it's easy for doctors and other health professionals, to dismiss or minimize any potential diagnosis. You may bring a list of symptoms to the appointment and be objective when describing your symptoms.
How can I obtain a medical diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD, the first step in 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 isn't a sign laziness or a lack of intelligence. It is an illness of the brain. It is also important to realize that the correct treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of living.
To determine your condition, a professional will usually evaluate you by the combination of a thorough description of your current symptoms and also analyze the results of questionnaires and scales that have been developed to detect 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.
In addition to conducting an interview with you and those close to you, the person evaluating you may decide to conduct medical tests or cognitive tests to determine if there are any underlying reasons for your symptoms. This can include thyroid disorders and seizures, which typically have the same symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is important to be open about your issues, and how they impact you at home, work or school. This will allow the evaluator to determine if you have ADHD or a disorder that is contributing to your symptoms.
If you're thinking of taking treatment, your physician will discuss it once the evaluation is completed. The GP cannot prescribe ADHD medication, but they can provide other types of mental health treatments, such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to seek a prescription from your clinician and he or she will draft a document known as a Shared Care Agreement for your GP that specifies the treatment you will receive on the NHS.
Asking your friends and family members for recommendations on professionals who have experience in ADHD evaluations of adults is a great idea prior to undergoing an individual assessment. You can also read online reviews about the local providers and learn more about their techniques. You can also use BetterHelp's simple service to match within 48 hours with a therapist who is experienced.
Can I get an appointment for a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
You have the right to select your mental health professional for an ADHD evaluation if you're an active military service. After your chosen provider has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) it is your responsibility to confirm that your GP accepts either full care, or something called a shared care agreement. Contacting the provider directly will enable you to determine if they have contracts with NHS. You can also find the waiting time on this website before you decide to go with a specific provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and when they began when you GP refers to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This will allow your doctor to better understand your symptoms and their impact on your life. It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website you can find out 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're diagnosed using this route, you may not be able to access the medication you need.
There are a number of alternative routes to an ADHD diagnosis that include private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics which provide affordable and quick diagnosis of ADHD. These shortcuts can have serious consequences if you're trying to claim benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, as an example.
It's worth noting that the stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are Class B substances and are therefore subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of an offense of a criminal nature while taking these drugs you could be subject to a substantial fine and/or imprisonment.
If you are 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, depending on the severity. You'll also need to provide a letter from the provider that proves this, along with a copy of your record.