ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, it is your legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health exams. But not all healthcare professionals are qualified to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has received complaints from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications without proper screening. We went undercover in order to find out more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a consultation with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and determine whether medication might aid. You'll need to provide details of your symptoms and any problems they cause. You will be asked about your family and work life. Some patients find it useful to note down their symptoms prior to their appointment. They will be able to recall them later. A typical assessment requires a 45 to 90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist.
There are two main methods to obtain an adult ADHD assessment There are two main ways to get an assessment for ADHD: the NHS or private. Doctors must take any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and be willing to refer you for an assessment. The system is not without problems. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful drugs over long periods of time and not taking into account the medical history of patients.
If you are worried about the attitude of your doctor to ADHD consider a different GP. There is a good resource on the Psychiatry-UK website that gives tips about doing this and templates for letters that you can use to make your request.
Private psychiatric services offer the fastest and most expert diagnosis, especially in London. The cost can range from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience of screening adults from a variety of backgrounds and can offer an individual approach, particularly in cases where you might be highly skilled or successful in your career. They can also screen for and help with co-morbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are typically associated with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist evaluates 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 six characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they have impacted on your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and next steps. You can decide to start treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are covered under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They are only prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a medical term that refers to the diagnosis of a condition, disease or injury. A doctor will issue an assessment and usually accompany it with an action plan. The process of diagnosis is an integral element of the course for medical students and is an integral part of the training of doctors working in all areas of medicine. The term is often utilized in medical journals and in health-related articles.
There are several methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist can provide the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in diagnosing ADHD in adults and offer a quicker professional, more thorough and more empathetic process. They also tend to have a better understanding of other conditions that may confuse symptoms with ADHD like depression and anxiety.
After you have received a diagnosis and have a treatment plan, you can discuss options with your psychiatrist. This could include medications such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medicated treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can then decide whether you want to take up 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 crucial as it aids in daily activities that people with disabilities or illnesses have to be able to carry out.
If you're thinking about stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD, know that these drugs are class B drugs and could cause addiction. If you are worried about this, your psychiatrist can refer you to a GP who can prescribe a different kind of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and stressful process. There are a variety of factors to consider and the NHS is often over-stretched and under-funded, making it easy for GPs, and other health professionals to dismiss or minimize any potential diagnosis. You could bring a list or symptoms to the assessment and try to be honest when describing your symptoms.
How do I get a diagnosis?
Your child or you may be suffering from ADHD. The first step to controlling symptoms that can disrupt your life is to seek an assessment. It's not an easy process, but it's crucial to remember that ADHD is not an indication of laziness or 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 life.
To diagnose you an expert will typically assess you through a combination of a detailed background and discussion of your current symptoms and also analyze the results of questionnaires and scales that have been created to detect ADHD in adults. They'll 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 could conduct cognitive tests or medical exams in order to rule out any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions that can have similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is important to be honest about your symptoms, and how they affect your life at home, work, or at school. This is so that the assessor can determine whether or not you have an ADHD diagnosis, or a co-existing condition which is causing your symptoms.
If you're thinking about taking medication, your clinician will discuss it once the assessment is completed. GPs are not allowed to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they can offer other treatments for mental health such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to go for an appointment, your therapist will prepare paperwork for your GP called a Shared Care Agreement, which specifies the type of treatment you will receive through the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Asking your family and friends for recommendations on experts with expertise in ADHD assessments of adults is a good idea prior to undergoing an assessment in private. You can also read online reviews about providers in your locality and find out more about their procedures. You can also try BetterHelp's simple-to-use service to be matched with an experienced therapist within 48 hours.
Can I get an appointment for a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
If you're an active member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose the mental health professional you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. You'll have to ensure that your GP will accept full care or a shared care agreement' when your chosen doctor discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT or medication). Contacting the provider directly will let you find out if they are covered by contracts with NHS. You can also check waiting times on this website before you decide to sign up with a specific provider.
If your GP recommends you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions about your symptoms and the time when they began. This will assist your doctor to understand the extent of your read more symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Answer these questions in a clear and honest manner.
You can learn more about exercising your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. The NHS is currently not offering a titration for medications via the Right to Choose path. Even if you're diagnosed using this pathway, you may still not be able access the medication that you require.
Private clinics are one of the other ways to get an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics offering affordable, quick diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious repercussions, such as if you are trying to claim benefits such as 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 found guilty of committing an offense of a criminal nature while taking these drugs you could face an enormous fine and/or prison.
In addition to the above, if you're diagnosed with ADHD through the NHS or privately, you'll be eligible for disability benefits in the form of Attendance Allowance and/or Income Support depending on the severity of your condition. You'll need an official letter from your doctor that proves this, along with an original copy of your medical records.