ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have a legal right to choose who offers your specialized NHS mental health assessments. However, not all healthcare professionals are trained to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has heard from patients and whistleblowers who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications without proper checks. We went undercover in order to find out more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a meeting with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and to see whether medication could aid. You will need to bring details of your symptoms as well as any issues they are causing. You will be asked about your personal and professional life. Some patients find it beneficial to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. This is to help them remember their symptoms. A typical assessment requires a 45 to 90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist.
There are two primary methods to obtain an adult ADHD assessment: the NHS or private. GPs must take ADHD concerns seriously and recommend you to an assessment. However the system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful medications for long periods of time, and not considering the medical background of patients.
If you are concerned about the attitude of your doctor to ADHD consider a different GP. On the website of Psychiatry-UK there is templates and guidelines to make your request.
Private psychiatric treatment can provide a much speedier and more expert diagnosis, especially in London. The price is ranging from PS600 to up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in conducting assessments of people from different backgrounds, and can offer a tailored treatment plan, especially if you are highly intelligent or have a successful career. They can also screen and help with co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety, that are often present in conjunction with ADHD.
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 current life, and how they have had an impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then inform you on your options and the next steps. You may decide to begin treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants are a class B drug and therefore is 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 diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a medical term used to describe an injury, disease or condition. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is usually accompanied by a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major part of the medical school curriculum and is a crucial part of the training of doctors in all areas of medicine. The word is frequently used in medical journals as well as in articles on health care.
There are a variety of methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One way is to see your GP and ask for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or a clinic. Another option is to seek a private psychiatrist to perform an assessment. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to provide a faster, more professional and more thorough process. They are also aware of other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
After you have received a diagnosis, you can discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This can include medications or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other non-medication treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can choose which treatment option is best suited to your needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also help you get reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is especially important because it assists with daily activities that people with disabilities or illnesses have to perform.
If you are thinking about taking stimulants like methylphenidate for ADHD be aware that they are class B substances which means that they could lead to addiction. If you're concerned your psychiatrist may refer you to a GP that can prescribe a treatment without stimulants.
It can be a frustrating and challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis. There are a myriad of factors to take into account and the NHS is often over-stretched and under-resourced, so it's easy for doctors and other health professionals to dismiss or downplay any possible diagnosis. It is a good idea to bring your list of symptoms for the examination and try to be as objective as possible when describing them.
How do I more info get an appointment for a diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that cause disruption to your life is to get diagnosed. It is a psychological process, but it is crucial to recognize that the condition is not a sign of laziness or a lack of intelligence. it is simply a neurobiological condition. It is essential to recognize that the proper treatment will aid you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
A professional will diagnose you by combining a thorough history and a detailed discussion of your current symptoms, and then analyzing the results of questionnaires and scales designed 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.
In addition to conducting an interview with you and those close to you, the person evaluating you may be required to conduct cognitive testing or medical exams to determine if there are any underlying reasons for your symptoms. This could include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions, which can often have similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is essential to be honest about your symptoms, and how they impact you at home, work, or school. This is so that the assessor can determine if you have an ADHD diagnosis, or a co-existing condition that contributes to your symptoms.
If you're considering treatment, your physician will talk to you about it after the assessment has been completed. The GP is not able to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they can provide other mental health treatments such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to get a prescription from your clinician and he or she will create a form called a Shared Care Agreement for your GP that specifies the treatment you will receive through the NHS.
Before you make a private diagnosis, it is recommended to ask your family and friends for recommendations of experts who have experience in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also look online for reviews of the providers in your area and learn about the various methods they use. You can also make use of BetterHelp's simple service to be matched within a matter of 48 hours with a therapist who is experienced.
Can I get 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 provider you're referred to for an ADHD assessment. Once your chosen provider has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy), you'll need to ensure that your GP accepts either full treatment, or what's known as a shared care agreement. Calling the providers directly will let you find out if they are covered by agreements with NHS. You can also check the waiting times of the providers on this site.
If your GP recommends 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 provider better comprehend your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. It's important to answer these honestly and clearly.
You can find out more about how to exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It is important to note that the NHS currently does not offer the titration of medications through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you're diagnosed with this route, you might still not be able access the medication you require.
There are a number of other routes to an ADHD diagnosis, including private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics which provide rapid and inexpensive diagnosis of ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious consequences, such as the case if you want to claim benefits such as the Disabled Students Allowance or other reasonable accommodations at work.
It's important to know that stimulants that are prescribed for ADHD fall under the category of Class B drugs and are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing a criminal offence when you're taking these medications, you could face an enormous fine and/or prison.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, either through the NHS or privately, you could be eligible for benefits for disabled people such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, depending on the degree of the disorder. You'll also have to submit a letter from the provider to prove this, as well as a copy of your record.