ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, you have a legal right to choose who provides your specialist NHS mental health examinations. But not all healthcare professionals are certified to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has been informed by patients and whistleblowers that some private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medication, often without proper checks. We conducted an undercover investigation to find out more.
What is an assessment of the project?
An assessment is a consultation with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and determine whether medication might aid. You'll be asked to provide details of your symptoms as well as any issues they are causing. You will be asked about your family and work life. Some patients find it helpful to note down their symptoms prior to their appointment. They will be able to recall them later. An assessment usually involves a 45 to 90 minutes of discussion with the psychiatrist.
There are two primary methods to obtain an adult ADHD assessment The other is through the NHS or private. GPs must take ADHD concerns seriously and recommend you to an assessment. The system is not without its problems. The BBC's Panorama programme raised concerns about the long-term effects of powerful drugs being handed out by doctors, and a lack of proper care and consideration given to patients' medical history.
If you're concerned about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD, consider finding another GP. On the website of Psychiatry-UK you can find an aid that contains templates and guidelines to make your request.
Private psychiatric treatment is faster and more professional, especially in London. The cost can range from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in screening adults from a variety of backgrounds and offer a tailored approach, especially when you are likely to be extremely knowledgeable or have a successful job. They can also test for and offer help with any co-morbidities that are commonly found alongside ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
The Psychiatrist evaluates 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 past experiences.
The Psychiatrist will inform you on your options and the next steps. You may choose to start treatment, which can involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are a class B drug, and are 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 that means the identification of a disease, condition or injury. A doctor will make diagnosis and often follow it with an action plan. The diagnosis is a major part of the curriculum of medical students and plays a significant role in the education of doctors across all areas of medicine. Medical journals often use the term "diagnosis" and it is often used in periodical articles about health care.
There are several ways to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. Another way is to get an individual psychiatrist to make a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults and offer a quicker, more professional and more empathetic process. They are also more aware of other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you can discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This may include medications such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other non-medicated treatments such as relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can decide which treatment option best suits your requirements.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to obtain reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is particularly important in the case of DSA because it aids people with disabilities and illnesses in their daily activities.
If you're thinking about stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat ADHD Be aware that these drugs are class B drugs and could cause addiction. If you're worried your psychiatrist may refer you to an GP that can prescribe a treatment that isn't dependent on stimulants.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and stressful process. There are a variety of factors to take into account and the NHS is often overstretched and under-funded, which makes it easy for GPs and other health professionals, to dismiss or downplay any potential diagnosis. You could bring a list or symptoms to the appointment, and try to be objective when you describe your symptoms.
How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?
Your child or you might be suffering from ADHD. The first step in addressing the symptoms that can affect your life is to get an diagnosis. It is a psychological process, but it is crucial to recognize that the disorder is not a sign of laziness or lack of intelligence; it is simply a neurological condition. It is also important to realise that the right treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
A professional will diagnose you by combining a detailed history, a review of your present symptoms, and then analyzing the results of the questionnaires and scales designed to detect ADHD in adults. They will then apply the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
In addition to interviewing you and those close to you, the evaluator might be required to conduct medical tests or cognitive tests to determine if there are any underlying reasons for your symptoms. This could include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions which may have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the evaluation it is essential to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, at school or at work. This is so that the evaluator will be able to determine if you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, or a co-existing condition that is contributing to your symptoms.
If you're considering treatment, your physician will discuss it once the assessment is completed. The GP cannot prescribe ADHD medication, however they can provide other types of mental health treatments such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you opt to get an appointment, your therapist will create a form for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement which outlines what treatment you'll be receiving on the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Asking your family and friends for recommendations on professionals with experience in ADHD assessments of adults is a good idea prior to undergoing an individual assessment. You can also read online reviews regarding the services in your area and learn more about their procedures. BetterHelp also offers a simple service to get matched within 48 hours to an experienced therapist.
Do private adhd assessment uk have the ability to get a diagnosis using Right to Choose?
If you're a member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose which mental health provider you're directed to for an ADHD assessment. If your chosen doctor has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) then you'll need to ensure that your GP is willing to accept either full care or a shared care agreement. Contacting the provider directly will enable you to determine if they have agreements with NHS. You can also look up the waiting time on this website before you decide to go with a particular provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, including the date they started when you GP recommends an ADHD specialist via the Right to Choose path. This will help your provider better understand your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. Answer these questions 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 doesn't provide an titration service for medicines through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you're diagnosed through this pathway, you may still not be able access the medication you require.
Private clinics are one of the other options to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics offering quick, cheap diagnoses for people with ADHD. These practices could have serious repercussions like when you attempt to claim benefits such as the Disabled Students allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.
It's important to note that stimulants 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 an offence of criminal intent while taking these medicines you could be subject to an extensive fine or even jail time.
In addition to the above, if you're diagnosed with ADHD through the NHS or privately, you'll 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 a letter from your provider that proves this, as well as a copy of your medical records.