ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have a legal right to choose the person who provides your specialist NHS mental health assessments. Healthcare professionals may not all have the qualifications to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has heard from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication without proper tests. We went undercover to learn more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a consultation with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and determine whether medication might aid. You'll be asked to provide information about your symptoms as well as any issues that they may be causing. You will also be asked about your work and family life. Some patients find it useful to note down their symptoms prior to their appointment. This is to help them remember them. A psychiatrist will usually spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
There are two primary ways to receive an adult ADHD assessment The other is through the NHS or private. Doctors must take any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and be prepared to refer you to an assessment. The system is not without problems. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful drugs over prolonged periods of time and not considering the medical history of patients.
If you are concerned about your GP's views on ADHD consider a different GP. There's a great resource on the Psychiatry-UK website that gives tips about doing this, as well as templates for letters that you can use to make your request.
Private psychiatric treatment is faster and more professional, particularly in London. Costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in conducting assessments of people from different backgrounds, and can offer an individualized treatment plan particularly if you're highly educated or have a thriving career. They can also test for and offer help with any co-morbidities typically associated with ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
The Psychiatrist assesses your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines whether you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to demonstrate six traits (symptoms), which are present in your daily life and how they have affected your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then inform you on your options and next steps. You may choose to start treatment, which can involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are a class B drug and therefore is controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They require prescription from a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is the medical term used to describe an injury, disease or condition. A diagnosis is given by a doctor and is often followed by a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major part of the curriculum for medical students and is an integral part of the education of doctors in all areas of medicine. Medical journals frequently use the word and it is often used in periodical articles about health care.
There are many ways to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One method is to go to your GP and request them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. A private psychiatrist can also perform an assessment. Private psychiatrists are more adept in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to provide a faster, more professional and more empathetic process. They are also more aware of other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
Once you have received a diagnosis you are able to discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This could include medications or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other non-medicated treatments more info like relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can then decide if you'd like to choose the treatment that is most suitable for your requirements.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also assist you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is particularly important because it assists with daily activities that those with disabilities or illnesses need to perform.
If you're thinking of using stimulants such as methylphenidate for ADHD, be aware that these are class B drugs which means that they could cause addiction. If you are concerned about this, your psychiatrist can refer you to a GP who can prescribe a different kind of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and frustrating process. There are a myriad of factors to consider and the NHS is often overstretched and under-funded, making it easy for GPs and other health professionals, to dismiss or minimize any possible diagnosis. You may bring a list of symptoms to the appointment and try to be honest when you describe your symptoms.
How can I obtain an medical diagnosis?
You or your child may be suffering from ADHD. The first step in addressing the symptoms that can disrupt your life is to seek an diagnosis. It's a challenging process, but it's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indication of laziness or lack of intelligence. It is an underlying neurobiological disorder. It is also essential to realize that the correct treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
To determine your condition A professional will typically evaluate you by an extensive description of your current symptoms, and also analyzing the results of questionnaires and scales that have been developed to detect ADHD in adults. They then apply the criteria outlined 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 rule out 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 important to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, at school or at work. This will help the evaluator to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or a co-existing condition which is contributing your symptoms.
If you're considering medication, your doctor will talk to you about it once the assessment is completed. Doctors are not permitted to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they more info can offer other treatments for mental health like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you do choose to seek a prescription, your doctor will draft a document for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement that specifies what treatment you'll receive on the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Before you make a private diagnosis it is a good idea to consult your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have expertise in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also read online reviews get more info regarding the services in your area and find out more about their methods. You can also make use of BetterHelp's simple service to match within 48 hours with a therapist who is experienced.
Can I get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?
You have the right to select your mental health professional to conduct an ADHD evaluation if you're a member of a military service. You'll need to ensure that your GP will accept full care or a'shared care agreement' after your chosen doctor discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT or medication). You can find out which providers have these contracts with the NHS by calling them direct. You can find the waiting times of the providers on this site.
If your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions about your symptoms and when they started. This will help your provider better know your symptoms and the impact on your daily life. It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and get more info clearly.
You can learn more about how to exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It's important to note that the NHS currently doesn't provide the titration of medications through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you are diagnosed with this pathway, you may not be able to access the medication you require.
Private clinics are among the other ways to get an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that provide affordable, quick diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious consequences if seeking to claim benefits like Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, as an example.
It's important to note that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs which means they are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're how much is an adhd assessment found guilty of committing an offense of a criminal nature when you're taking these medications you could face 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 entitled to disability benefits in the form of Attendance Allowance and/or Income Support according to the severity of your condition. You'll need a letter from your provider that proves this, along with the medical records.