ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, it is your legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health exams. However, not all healthcare professionals are qualified to determine ADHD.
Panorama has received complaints from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication without proper tests. We went undercover in order to find out more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a session with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and to see whether medication might aid. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will be asked questions about your family and work life. Some patients find it beneficial to note down their symptoms before the appointment. This is so they can recall their symptoms. A typical assessment includes a 45-90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist.
You can have an adult ADHD evaluation through the NHS or privately. GPs must take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be prepared to refer you for an assessment. The system is not without its problems. The BBC's Panorama programme raised concerns about long-term prescriptions of powerful drugs being handed out by doctors and a lack of proper care and consideration given to patients' medical history.
If you are concerned about your GP's views on ADHD consider a different GP. There's a helpful resource on the Psychiatry-UK website that provides tips on how to do this, as well as templates for letters you can use to present your request.
Private psychiatric treatment can provide a much speedier and more qualified diagnosis, especially in London. The cost ranges from PS600 to up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience screening adults from a variety of backgrounds and can provide a tailored approach, especially in situations where you may be highly intelligent or successful in your career. They can also test for and offer help with any co-morbidities that are often associated with ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
The Psychiatrist will assess your symptoms and apply the DSM V criteria to determine whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to demonstrate six traits (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they've affected your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will inform you on your options and the next steps. You may decide to begin treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are classified as a class B drug, and are controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They are prescribed by a psychiatrist or a doctor who is registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that means the identification of a disease, condition or injury. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is often accompanied by a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major element of the medical school curriculum and is an integral component of the education of doctors who work in all fields of medicine. Medical journals often use the term "diagnosis" and it is often included in periodicals about health care.
There are several ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in UK. One option is to visit your GP and request them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or a clinic. Another option is to ask a private psychiatrist to perform an assessment. Private psychiatrists generally have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can offer an accelerated, more competent and knowledgeable process. They are also more aware of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety and depression.
If you've been diagnosed you are able to discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This may include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and other non-medication treatments such as relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can decide which treatment option best suits your needs.
In addition to allowing you to get treatment for your ADHD A diagnosis can also help you access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This is particularly important in the case of DSA because it aids people with disabilities and illnesses with their daily activities.
If you're thinking about taking stimulants like methylphenidate for ADHD be aware that these are class B drugs, which means that they could cause addiction. If you are worried about this, your doctor can refer you to an GP who can prescribe a different kind of treatment that doesn't contain stimulants.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and stressful process. There are a myriad of aspects to take into consideration and the NHS is often over-stretched and under-funded, making it easy for GPs and other health professionals to dismiss or deflect any possible diagnosis. You may bring a list of symptoms to the appointment, and try to be objective when you describe your symptoms.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
If you think you or your child may have ADHD The first step in gaining control over symptoms that can disrupt life is getting diagnosed. It is a psychological process, but it is important to understand that the condition is not an indication of lazyness or insufficiency; it is merely a neurobiological issue. It is important to understand that the proper treatment will assist you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
adhd assessment private cost will determine your diagnosis by combining a thorough history as well as a review of your current symptoms, and then analyzing the results of scales and questionnaires designed to detect ADHD among adults. They then apply the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The evaluator will also interview you and your family members, and could conduct cognitive tests or medical exams to determine any underlying causes for your symptoms. This can include thyroid disorders and seizures, which typically exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the assessment it is important that you are honest about your symptoms, and how they impact you at home, work, or school. This will help the evaluator to determine if you have ADHD or a coexisting condition that is causing your symptoms.
If you're thinking of taking treatment, your physician will discuss it once the assessment is completed. GPs are not allowed to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to provide other mental health treatments like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to get a prescription from your clinician, 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 go for an individual diagnosis it is recommended to ask your friends and family for recommendations of professionals who have experience with ADHD assessments for adults. You can also search the internet for reviews of providers in your area and learn about the various methods they use. Alternatively, you can try BetterHelp's simple-to-use service to be connected with a therapist who is experienced within 48 hours.
Can I get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?
If you're an active member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose which mental health professional you're referred to for an ADHD assessment. If your chosen doctor has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) it is your responsibility to ensure that your GP accepts either full treatment, or what's known as a shared care agreement. Contacting the provider directly will let you find out if they have contracts with NHS. You can also find the waiting times on this site before deciding to go with a specific provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and the time they began, if your GP recommends an ADHD specialist via the Right to Choose path. This will allow your doctor to better understand your symptoms and their impact on your life. It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
You can learn more about exercising 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. So, even if you get diagnosed through this route, you may not be eligible for the medication you require.
Private clinics are one of the other options to receive an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that provide quick and cheap diagnosis of ADHD. These shortcuts can have serious consequences if you're seeking benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, as an example.
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 convicted of committing a criminal offence while taking these drugs you could be subject to an enormous fine and/or prison.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately you may be eligible for benefits for disabled people like Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, depending on the severity. You'll need an official letter from your doctor that proves this, as well as the medical records.