ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, you have the legal right to choose the person who offers your specialized NHS mental health exams. Some healthcare professionals do not have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has been informed by whistleblowers and patients that some private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medication, often without proper checks. We went undercover in order to find out more.
What is an assessment?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the effects of ADHD on your life and whether medications can aid you. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the problems they cause. private adhd assessment uk will also be asked about your family and work schedule. Some patients find it helpful to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. They can then recall their symptoms. An assessment usually requires a 45 to 90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist.
You can have an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. Doctors must take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are willing to refer you for an assessment. However the system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful drugs over prolonged periods of time and not taking into account the medical history of patients.
If you're worried about the attitude of your GP toward ADHD, consider finding another GP. On the Psychiatry UK website you can find a resource that includes templates and tips for making your request.
Private psychiatric services are faster and more professional, particularly in London. Costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience the assessment of adults from diverse backgrounds, and can offer a tailored treatment plan, especially if you are highly skilled or have a lucrative career. They can also screen for and offer help with any co-morbidities that are often associated with ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
The Psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and apply the DSM V criteria to determine whether you are eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. You must demonstrate at least 6 characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they have impacted on your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist will inform you on your options and the next steps. You can choose to begin treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are a class B drug, and are controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They are only prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that refers to the recognition of a condition, illness or injury. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is usually supported by a treatment program. The diagnosis is a major element of the curriculum for medical students and is a crucial part of the training of doctors in all areas of medicine. The word is frequently used in medical journals and in articles on health care.
There are several ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. Another option is to seek an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will make an assessment. Private psychiatrists usually have years of experience diagnosing adults with ADHD and can provide a much quicker, more competent and knowledgeable process. They also tend to be more aware of other conditions that could cause confusion symptoms with ADHD like depression and anxiety.
After you have been diagnosed and have a treatment plan, you can discuss options with your psychiatrist. This can include medications or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and other non-medicated treatments such as relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can then decide if you'd like to choose the treatment option that best suits your requirements.
In addition to enabling you to seek treatment for your ADHD, a diagnosis can help you access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This is particularly crucial in the case of DSA as it assists those with disabilities and illnesses in their daily activities.
If you are thinking about using stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD Be aware that they are class B drugs, which mean that they can potentially cause addiction. If you are worried about this, your doctor may refer you to an GP who can prescribe a different type of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and frustrating process. There are a myriad of factors to take into account and the NHS is often overwhelmed and under-funded, which makes it easy for GPs, and other health professionals, to dismiss or downplay any possible diagnosis. It is a good idea to bring your list of symptoms with you to the appointment and try to be as objective as possible when explaining the symptoms.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
If you are concerned that you or your child may have ADHD, the first step to gain control over the symptoms that disrupt life is getting a diagnosis. 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 a normal neurobiological issue. It is important to understand that the correct treatment can help you manage your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
A specialist will determine your diagnosis by combining a detailed medical history, a discussion of your current symptoms and analysing the results of the questionnaires and scales that are designed to determine ADHD in adults. They will then apply the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to make an accurate diagnose.
In addition to interviewing you and people close to you, the evaluator might want to carry out cognitive tests or medical examinations to determine the root causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues and seizures, which can have the same symptoms as ADHD.
During the evaluation it is essential to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, at work or school. This will allow the evaluator to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or a co-existing condition that is causing your symptoms.
Once the evaluation is completed the doctor will discuss medication options with you in the event that you are considering these. Doctors are not permitted to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they can offer other treatments for mental health such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to get a prescription from your physician and he or she will create a form called a Shared care agreement for your GP which outlines the treatment you will receive on the NHS.
Before you make a diagnosis that is private It is recommended to ask your family and friends for recommendations of experts who have expertise in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also search the internet for reviews of the providers in your area and read about the different methods they employ. You can also use BetterHelp's simple service to get matched within 48 hours with an experienced therapist.
Can I get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
If you're a 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 treatment 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 direct. You can check the waiting times of providers by visiting this website.
You will be asked about your symptoms, including the date they started in the event that your GP refers to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This is to help your provider understand the extent of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Answer these questions in a clear and honest manner.
You can learn more about how you can exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It's important to note that the NHS currently does not offer a titration service for medications through the Right to Choose pathway. If you're diagnosed using this route, you may not be eligible for the medication you need.
There are a variety of other routes to an ADHD diagnosis which include private clinics. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that provide affordable, quick diagnoses for people with ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious repercussions, such as when you attempt to claim benefits like the Disabled Students Allowance or other reasonable accommodations at work.
It is important to remember that stimulants that are prescribed for ADHD fall under the category of Class B drugs and are subject to the restrictions of The Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing a criminal offence 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 will be eligible for disability benefits in the form of Attendance Allowance and/or Income Support dependent on the severity of your condition. You will also need to provide a written confirmation from the healthcare provider that proves this, along with an official copy of your documents.