ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health exams. However, not all healthcare professionals are certified to determine ADHD.
Panorama has received complaints from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe drugs without proper screening. We went undercover to find out more.
What is an assessment?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the impact of ADHD on your life and if medication can aid you. You'll need to provide details of your symptoms and any problems they are causing. You will be asked about your family and work life. Some patients find it beneficial to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. They will be able to recall them later. A typical assessment requires a 45 to 90 minutes of discussion with the psychiatrist.
You can obtain an adult ADHD evaluation through the NHS or privately. Doctors must take ADHD concerns seriously and recommend you to an assessment. The system is not without its problems. iampsychiatry.uk raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful drugs for long periods of time, and not taking into account the medical history of patients.
If you are worried about your GP's views on ADHD, try another GP. There is a good resource on the Psychiatry UK website that provides tips on how to do this and templates for letters that you can use to submit your request.
Private psychiatric services provide a much speedier and more professional diagnosis, particularly in London. The cost can range from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are skilled in the assessment of adults from diverse backgrounds, and can offer an individualized treatment plan particularly if you're skilled or have a lucrative career. They can also screen for and offer help with any co-morbidities commonly found alongside ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
The Psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines if you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to show at least 6 traits (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they have impacted on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist then informs you on your options and the next steps. You can choose 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 medical term for identifying an injury, disease or condition. A diagnosis is given by a doctor and is usually followed by a treatment plan. The diagnosis is an essential component of the curriculum of medical students and is a crucial part of the training of doctors working in all fields of medicine. The term is frequently used in medical journals as well as in health-related articles.
There are a variety of ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. Another way is to get an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will make the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults and can provide a faster more efficient, professional and more empathetic process. They are also aware of other conditions which could cause similar symptoms as ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
After you have received a diagnosis and have a treatment plan, you can discuss options with your psychiatrist. This could include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and other non-medical treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can decide which treatment option is most suitable for your requirements.
In addition to allowing you to receive treatment for your ADHD A diagnosis can also aid you in getting reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This is particularly crucial in the case of DSA, as it helps those who suffer from disabilities and illnesses with their daily activities.
If you're considering stimulants like methylphenidate to treat ADHD Be aware that these are class B drugs that can cause addiction. If you are concerned about this, your doctor can refer you to a GP who can prescribe a different type of treatment that doesn't contain stimulants.
It can be a frustrating and challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis. There are many things to take into account, and the NHS system is often stressed and under-funded and it is very easy for GPs or other health professionals to ignore or deny a diagnosis. You could bring a list or symptoms to the appointment, and try to be objective when describing your symptoms.
How do I obtain an appointment for a diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD The first step in gaining control over the symptoms that disrupt life is getting a diagnosis. It is a psychological process, but it's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indication of lazyness or lack of intelligence; it is merely a neurobiological issue. It is crucial to realize that the proper treatment will assist you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
A specialist will determine your diagnosis by combining a thorough history as well as a discussion of your current symptoms and analysing the results of scales and questionnaires designed to identify ADHD among 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 people close to you, the person evaluating you may want to carry out cognitive testing or medical exams to rule out any underlying causes of your symptoms. This can include thyroid disorders and seizures, which can have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the examination, it is essential to be honest about your symptoms and how they affect your life at home, work, or at school. This is so that the assessor will be able to determine if you have an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing condition that is contributing to your symptoms.
If you're considering treatment, your physician will talk to you about it once the evaluation is completed. GPs are not allowed to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to provide other mental health treatments such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you choose to obtain a prescription from your clinician and he or she will create a form called a Shared Care Agreement for your GP that outlines the treatment you will receive through the NHS.
Asking your family and friends for recommendations on professionals with experience in ADHD assessments 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 different methods they employ. You can also make use of BetterHelp's simple service to match within a matter of 48 hours with an experienced therapist.
Can I get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?
You are entitled to choose your mental health practitioner to conduct an ADHD assessment if you're a member of a military service. You'll need to ensure that your GP will accept either full treatment or a shared care agreement' when your chosen provider discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT therapy or medication). You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them directly. You can also find waiting times on this website before you decide to go with a particular provider.
If your GP refers 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 will help your provider understand the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Answer these questions in a clear and honest manner.
On the NHS website, you can learn more about how to exercise Your Right to Choose. It's important to note that the NHS currently doesn't offer an titration service for medicines through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you are diagnosed through this pathway, you may still not be able access the medication that you require.
There are a number of other routes to an ADHD diagnosis which include private clinics. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that offer rapid, inexpensive diagnosis for people suffering from ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious consequences, such as the case if you want to claim benefits like the Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.
It's important to note that the stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are Class B drugs, and therefore are subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're convicted of committing an offence of criminal intent when you're taking these medications you could be subject to an enormous fine and/or prison.
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 and/or Income Support according to the severity of your condition. You'll need to provide an official letter from your doctor that proves this, along with the medical records.