ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK it is your legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health assessments. Not all healthcare professionals have the necessary qualifications to be able to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has been told by whistleblowers and patients that some private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing drugs, often without proper checks. 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 help. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will be asked about your work and family life. Some patients find it helpful to note down their symptoms prior to the appointment. They will be able to recall them later. An assessment typically involves a 45 to 90 minutes of discussion with the psychiatrist.
There are two ways to receive an adult ADHD assessment The other is through the NHS or private. The GP must take ADHD concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. The system is not without problems. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns regarding the long-term use of powerful drugs being dished out by doctors, and an absence of proper care and consideration for patients' medical history.
If you're concerned about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD you should consider seeking out a different GP. On the Psychiatry UK website there is templates and guidelines to make your request.
Private psychiatric services are more efficient and professional, especially in London. The price can range from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are skilled in conducting assessments of people from different backgrounds and offer a tailored treatment plan, particularly if you're highly educated or have a thriving career. They can also test for and assist with any co-morbidities that are commonly found alongside ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
The Psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms and apply the DSM V criteria to determine whether you qualify for an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to show six characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your current life, and how they have had an impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist then informs you on your options and the next steps. You can decide to start treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants are classified as a class B drug and therefore subject to 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 term used in medicine that refers to the diagnosis of a condition, disease or injury. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is usually followed by a treatment plan. The process of diagnosis is an integral element of the medical school curriculum and is an integral part of the education of doctors who work in all fields of medicine. The word is frequently used in medical journals as well as in articles about health care.
There are a variety of methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. Another way is to get a private psychiatrist to perform the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists typically have extensive experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and can offer the most rapid, competent and knowledgeable process. They are also more aware of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
If you've been diagnosed, you can discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This may include medications such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medicated treatments such as relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can decide which treatment option best suits your requirements.
In addition to allowing you to get treatment for your ADHD, a diagnosis can aid you in getting reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). In the case of DSA this is particularly important because it helps with day-to-day activities that people with disabilities or illnesses have to be able to carry out.
If you're thinking about trying stimulants such as methylphenidate for your ADHD, be aware that these are class B drugs which could 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 difficult and challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis. There are a variety of factors to consider and the NHS is often overstretched and under-resourced, so it's easy for GPs and other health professionals to dismiss or downplay any potential diagnosis. You may bring a list of symptoms to the appointment and be objective when you describe your symptoms.
How can I get an medical diagnosis?
Your child or you might be suffering from ADHD. The first step in controlling the symptoms that can disrupt your life is to seek a diagnosis. It's not an easy procedure, but it's essential to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indication of laziness or lack of intelligence. It is a neurobiological disorder. It is also essential to realize that the correct treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of living.
To identify you A professional will typically evaluate you by an extensive history and discussion about your current symptoms, and also analyzing the results of questionnaires and scales that have been designed to identify ADHD in adults. They will then use the criteria set out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to determine a reliable diagnose.
In addition to interviewing you and people close to you, the evaluator may decide to conduct cognitive tests or medical examinations to rule out any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions, which can often exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the examination, it is important to be honest about your symptoms and how they affect your life at home, work or school. This will help the evaluator to determine if you have ADHD or a co-existing condition that is causing your symptoms.
After the assessment is completed the doctor will discuss medication options with you if you are considering them. GPs cannot prescribe ADHD medication, however they can provide other types of mental health treatment such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you opt to get a prescription, your clinician will create a form for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement which outlines what treatment you'll receive on the NHS and with whom.
Asking your friends and family members to recommend experts with experience in ADHD assessments of adults is a good idea prior to undergoing an assessment in private. You can also look online for reviews of the providers in your area, and read about the different methods they use. BetterHelp also offers a simple service to get matched within 48 hours to an experienced therapist.
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 the right to choose the mental health practitioner you're referred to for an ADHD assessment. You'll need to ensure that your GP will accept full care or something called a 'shared care agreement' once the chosen provider has discharged you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT therapy or medication). private adhd assessment near me can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them direct. You can find the waiting times of providers on this website.
You will be asked about your symptoms, including when they began when you GP refers to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This will help your doctor better understand your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. It is important to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
Find out more about how you can exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It is important to note that the NHS currently doesn't offer a titration service for medications through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you're diagnosed with this route, you might still not be able access the medication that you need.
Private clinics are one of the other options to receive an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer rapid and inexpensive diagnosis of ADHD. These shortcuts can have serious consequences if seeking benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for instance.
It's important to note that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are Class B drugs which means they 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 medicines, you could face a substantial fine and/or imprisonment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately you may be entitled to disability benefits like Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, based on the severity. You will need to supply a letter from your provider to prove this, as well as a copy of your medical records.