ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK it is your legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health exams. But not all healthcare professionals are qualified to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has received complaints from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe drugs without proper checks. We went undercover to learn more.
What is an assessment of the project?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the impact of ADHD on your life and whether medications can aid you. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will also be asked about your family and work schedule. Some patients find it useful to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. This helps them remember them. A psychiatrist is typically spending 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
There are two main ways to get an adult ADHD assessment: the NHS or private. Doctors must take ADHD concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. The system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful drugs over long periods of time and not taking into consideration the medical background of patients.
If you are concerned about the attitude of your GP toward ADHD you should consider seeking out a different GP. There's a great site on Psychiatry-UK that gives tips about doing this and templates for letters you can use to submit your request.
Private psychiatric treatment is quicker and more professional, particularly in London. The cost ranges between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in the assessment of adults from diverse backgrounds, and are able to provide a tailored treatment plan, particularly if you're educated or have a thriving career. They can also test for and assist with any co-morbidities that are often associated with ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
The Psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and apply the DSM V criteria to determine whether you qualify for an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to show six characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your daily life, and how they have affected your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then inform you on your options and the next steps. You can decide to start treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are a class B drug, and are 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 a term used in medicine that means the identification of a condition, illness or injury. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is often supported by a treatment program. Diagnosis is a major element of the medical school curriculum and is a crucial 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 health-related articles.
There are many ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist can also perform an assessment. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to offer a quicker more efficient, professional and more empathetic process. They also tend to have a better understanding of the other conditions that could cause confusion symptoms with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist after you have been diagnosed. This may include medications or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and other non-medication treatments such as relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You then have the option of deciding if you'd like to choose the treatment option that best suits your requirements.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also assist you to get reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is crucial as it aids in daily activities that people with disabilities or illnesses have to perform.
If you're thinking of taking stimulants like methylphenidate for your ADHD be aware that these are class B drugs, which could lead to addiction. If you're concerned about this, your psychiatrist can refer you to an GP who can prescribe a different type of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
It can be frustrating and challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis. There are a number of aspects to take into consideration as well as the NHS system is often over stretched and under resourced and it is very easy for GPs and other health professionals to dismiss or minimize a possible diagnosis. It is helpful to bring your list of symptoms to the assessment and try to be as objective as you possibly can when describing them.
How can I get an medical diagnosis?
If you are concerned that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD The first step to gain control over symptoms that can cause disruption to your life is to get a diagnosis. It's a difficult process, but it is essential to realize that the disorder is not an indication of lazyness or insufficiency; it is merely a neurobiological issue. It is also essential to realize that the correct treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
A specialist will determine your diagnosis by combining a detailed history as well as a review of your present symptoms and analysing the results of the questionnaires and scales designed to identify ADHD among adults. They will 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 people close to you, the evaluator may be required to conduct medical tests or cognitive tests to determine if there are any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include things like seizures and thyroid disorders that can have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is crucial to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they impact your life at home, school or at work. This will enable the evaluator to determine if you have ADHD or a disorder that is contributing to your symptoms.
If you're thinking of taking medication, your clinician will talk to you about it once the evaluation is completed. GPs are not allowed to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to offer other treatments for mental health like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you do opt to get a prescription, your doctor will draft a document for your GP called a Shared Care Agreement which outlines what treatment you will receive through the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Asking your family and friends to recommend experts with experience in ADHD assessments of adults is a good idea prior to taking an assessment in private. You can also read reviews online about providers in your locality and learn more about their methods. If you prefer, you can use BetterHelp's easy-to-use service to get the right therapist within 48 hours.
Do I have the ability to get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
If you're an active member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose which mental health provider you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. After your chosen provider has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) then you'll need to confirm that your GP accepts either full treatment, or what's known as a shared care agreement. You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them directly. You can also look up the waiting times on this site before deciding to go with a specific provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, including the date they started when your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist via the Right to Choose path. This will help your provider better know your symptoms and the impact on your daily life. Answer these questions honestly and clearly.
Find out more about how you can exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. The NHS does not currently provide the option of titration for medicines through the Right to Choose path. Even if you're diagnosed with this route, you might still not be able access the medication you require.
Private clinics are among the other methods to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that provide affordable and quick diagnoses of ADHD. These shortcuts can have serious consequences if you're seeking to claim benefits like Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for example.
It's worth noting that the stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are Class B substances, and therefore private adhd assessment uk cost are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of an offence of criminal intent 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 eligible for disability benefits in the form of Attendance Allowance or Income Support dependent on the severity of your condition. You will also need to submit a letter from the provider proving this, along with the copy of your medical record.