ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK it is your legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health assessments. But not all healthcare professionals are trained to diagnose 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 whether medication can aid you. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will be asked questions about your family and work life. Some patients find it helpful to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. This is to help them remember their symptoms. A psychiatrist is typically spending 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
You can have an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. The GP must take ADHD concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. The system is not without its problems. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful drugs over prolonged periods of time and not taking into consideration the medical background of patients.
If you're worried about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD, consider finding another GP. On the Psychiatry-UK site there is templates and suggestions to submit your request.
Private psychiatric services are quicker and more professional, especially in London. Costs typically range from PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in screening adults from a variety of backgrounds and can provide an individual approach, particularly in situations where you may be highly intelligent or successful in your career. They can also screen for and assist with co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety, that are often present in conjunction with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist examines your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines if you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You must demonstrate at least 6 characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you of your options and the next steps. You can choose to begin treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are a class B drug and therefore controlled by 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 used to describe a disease, injury or condition. A doctor will provide an assessment and usually accompany it with a treatment plan. Diagnostics are a significant component of the curriculum for medical students and is an integral component of the education of doctors in all fields of medicine. The word is frequently used in medical journals as well as in health-related articles.
There are several ways to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One way is to see your GP and ask them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. A private psychiatrist can perform an assessment. Private psychiatrists generally have a lot of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can provide a much quicker, more professional and a more thorough process. They are also more aware of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
If you've been diagnosed and have a treatment plan, you can discuss options with your psychiatrist. This can include medication or cognitive therapy (CBT), along with other non-medicated treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can choose which treatment option is most suitable for your needs.
In addition to enabling you to get treatment for your ADHD The diagnosis can assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This is especially important in the case of DSA because it aids people with disabilities and illnesses in their daily activities.
If you're considering stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat ADHD Be aware that these drugs are class B drugs that can cause addiction. If you are concerned about this, your psychiatrist may refer you to an GP who can prescribe a different kind of treatment that doesn't contain stimulants.
It can be frustrating and challenging to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. There are a variety of factors to consider, and the NHS system is often over stretched and under resourced which means it can be very easy for GPs or other health professionals to dismiss or deny a diagnosis. You can bring a list of symptoms to the examination and try to be objective when you describe your symptoms.
How do I get an medical diagnosis?
Your child or you may be suffering from ADHD. The first step to controlling symptoms that could disrupt your life is to seek an assessment. It's a difficult process, but it's important to understand that the disorder is not a sign of laziness or insufficiency; it is simply a neurobiological issue. It is crucial to realize that the right treatment will help you manage your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
A professional will diagnose you by combining a detailed history, a discussion of your current symptoms, and then analyzing the results of the questionnaires and scales designed to detect ADHD among 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 cognitive tests or medical exams to determine any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions that can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the assessment it is essential to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they affect your life at home, work or school. This will help the evaluator to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or a condition which is contributing your symptoms.
Once the evaluation is completed the doctor will discuss the options for medication with you If you are thinking about these. GPs cannot prescribe ADHD medications, but they can offer other kinds of mental health treatment such as CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy). If you do choose to seek an appointment, your therapist will prepare paperwork for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement, which specifies what treatment you will receive through the NHS and with whom.
Asking your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have experience in ADHD evaluations of adults is a great idea prior to taking a private assessment. You can also read reviews online about providers in your locality and learn more about their procedures. BetterHelp also offers a simple service to get matched within a matter of 48 hours with a therapist who is experienced.
Do I have the ability to get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?
If you're an active member of the Armed Forces, you have a right to choose which mental health professional you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. You'll need to make sure that your GP will accept either full care or something called 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 contracts with the NHS by calling them directly. You can also look up waiting times on this website before deciding to go with a particular provider.
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 started. This is to assist your doctor to understand the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. Answer these questions in a clear and honest manner.
You can find out more about exercising your Right to Choose on the NHS website check here here. It is 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 with this pathway, you may not be able to access the medication you need.
Private clinics are among the other methods to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer quick and cheap diagnosis of ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious repercussions for instance, the case if you want to claim benefits like the Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.
It's important to know that stimulants prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs and are therefore subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're convicted of committing an offense of a criminal nature while taking these medicines you could be subject to an enormous fine and/or prison.
In addition to the above in addition, if you're diagnosed ADHD through the NHS or privately, you'll be eligible for disability benefits in the form of Attendance Allowance and/or Income Support according to the severity of your condition. You'll need to provide a letter from your provider to prove this, as well as the medical records.