ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK it is your legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health tests. But not all healthcare professionals are certified to determine ADHD.
Panorama has heard from patients and whistleblowers who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications without proper checks. We went undercover to find out more.
What is an assessment of a project?
An assessment is a consultation with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and to see whether medication might help. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will be asked about your personal and professional life. Some patients find it beneficial to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. They can then remember them. An assessment usually requires a 45 to 90 minute discussion with the psychiatrist.
There are two primary ways to get an adult ADHD assessment The other is through the NHS or private. Doctors must take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be willing to refer you to an assessment. However the system isn't without its issues. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful drugs for long periods of time, and not considering the medical history of patients.
If you are concerned about the attitude of your GP toward ADHD, consider finding another GP. On the Psychiatry UK website there is templates and suggestions for making your request.
Private psychiatric services offer the fastest and most professional diagnosis, particularly in London. The costs typically range from PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are skilled in assessing adults of diverse backgrounds, and can offer a tailored treatment plan, especially if you are highly intelligent or have a successful career. They are also able to screen and help with co-morbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are typically found along with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of an ADHD diagnosis. You will need to demonstrate at least 6 traits (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they have had an impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and next steps. You may decide to begin treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants belong to the class B drug, and are controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They must be prescribed only by a doctor or psychiatrist registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a medical term that means the identification of a disease, condition or injury. A diagnosis is given by a doctor and is usually accompanied by a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major part of the course for medical students and is an integral part of the training of doctors in all fields of medicine. Medical journals often use the term "diagnosis" and it is frequently included in periodicals about health care.
There are a variety of ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One way is to see your GP and request for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or a clinic. Another option is to ask an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will make the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in diagnosing ADHD in adults and can offer a quicker, more professional and more thorough process. They are also aware of other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist after you've been diagnosed. This could include medication such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medicated treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can decide which treatment option is most suitable for your requirements.
In addition to enabling you to get treatment for your ADHD A diagnosis can also assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This is particularly crucial in the case of DSA as it assists those who suffer from disabilities and illnesses with their daily routine.
If you are thinking about using stimulants such as methylphenidate for your ADHD, be aware that these are class B drugs, which could lead to addiction. If you are concerned about this, your psychiatrist can refer you to a GP who can prescribe a different type of treatment that doesn't contain stimulants.
It can be a frustrating and challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis. There are many aspects to take into consideration as well as the NHS system is usually over stretched and under resourced and it is extremely easy for doctors or other health professionals to dismiss or downplay a potential diagnosis. It is helpful to bring your list of symptoms to the appointment and try to be as objective as you possibly can when you describe them.
How do I find out if I have an appointment for a diagnosis?
If you think you or your child might have ADHD The first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that disrupt life is getting an diagnosis. It's not an easy process, but it's crucial to remember that ADHD isn't a sign laziness or a lack of intelligence. It is a neurobiological disorder. It is also vital to realise that the right treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
To diagnose you an expert will typically assess you through a combination of a detailed description of your current symptoms as well as analysing the results of questionnaires and scales that have been developed to detect ADHD in adults. They'll then apply the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to identify the cause of your symptoms.
In addition to interviewing you and those close to you, the evaluator might want to carry out cognitive testing or medical exams to determine the root causes of your symptoms. This can include things like seizures and thyroid disorders that can have similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is essential to be honest about your symptoms and how they affect your life at home, work or at school. This will help the examiner to determine if you have ADHD or a co-existing condition which is contributing your symptoms.
Once the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss your options regarding medication if you are considering them. The GP is not able to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they may offer other treatments for mental health like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to seek a prescription from your clinician, he or she will draft a document known as a Shared Care Agreement for your GP that specifies the treatment you will receive on the NHS.
Asking your family and friends for recommendations of experts with experience in ADHD evaluations of adults is a great idea before you go for read more an assessment in private. You can also look online for reviews of providers in your area, and read about the different methods they employ. BetterHelp also offers a simple service to be matched within 48 hours to a therapist who is experienced.
Do I 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 the mental health professional you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. You'll have to ensure that your GP will accept full care or something called a 'shared care agreement' when your chosen provider discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT or medication). You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them directly. You can also check the waiting time on this website before deciding to go with a specific provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and the date they started, if your GP refers to an ADHD specialist via the Right to Choose path. This will help your provider better comprehend your symptoms and their impact on your life. It's important to answer these honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website, you can learn more about exercising Your Right to Choose. The NHS is currently not offering an titration of medications through the Right to Choose path. Even if you are diagnosed with this method, you may not be able to 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 which provide rapid and inexpensive diagnoses of ADHD. These shortcuts could be dangerous if you're trying to claim benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for example.
It's worth noting that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are Class B substances, and therefore are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing a criminal offence when you're taking these medications, you could face a substantial fine and/or imprisonment.
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 or Income Support dependent on the severity of your condition. You'll also have to provide a written confirmation from the healthcare provider to prove this, as well as an official copy of your records.