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 trained to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has been informed by patients and whistleblowers that some private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medication frequently without proper checks. We went undercover in order 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 to see if medication can help. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will also be asked about your family and work life. Some patients find it useful to note down their symptoms prior to their appointment. This is to help them remember their symptoms. A psychiatrist is typically spending 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
There are two ways to get an adult ADHD assessment: the NHS or private. The GP must take any concerns regarding 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 long periods of time and not taking into account the medical history of patients.
If you are worried about your GP's views on ADHD Try a different GP. There's a helpful site on Psychiatry-UK that provides tips on how to do this, as well as templates for letters you can use to submit your request.
Private psychiatric services offer a much speedier and more qualified diagnosis, especially in London. The costs typically range from PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience conducting assessments of people from different backgrounds and offer a tailored treatment plan, especially if you are highly intelligent or have a successful career. They can also screen for and help with co-morbidities, such as anxiety and depression, that are often associated with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist will assess your symptoms and use the DSM V criteria to determine whether you are eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. You will need to demonstrate at least 6 characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they have had an impact on your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and the next steps. You can choose to begin treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants are a class B drug and therefore subject to the Misuse of Drugs Act. They must be prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is the medical term used to describe the cause of a condition, injury or condition. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is often followed by a treatment plan. The diagnosis is a key part of the curriculum of medical students and is a crucial part of the training of doctors across all areas of medicine. Medical journals frequently use the word "diagnosis" and is often used in periodical articles about health care.
There are many methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in UK. One way is to see your GP and request for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. A private psychiatrist can also perform a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more adept in diagnosing ADHD in adults and offer a quicker, more professional and more empathetic process. They are also more aware of other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
After you have received a diagnosis and have a treatment plan, you can discuss options with your psychiatrist. This could include medications or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and other non-medicated treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can choose which treatment option is most suitable for your needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also help you obtain reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is especially important in the case of DSA because it aids people with disabilities and illnesses in their daily activities.
If you're thinking about using stimulants such as methylphenidate for ADHD, be aware that they are class B drugs which could cause addiction. If you are concerned about this, your doctor can refer you to an GP who can prescribe a different type of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
It can be frustrating and difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis. There are many aspects to take into consideration and the NHS is often overstretched and under-resourced, so it's easy for GPs, and other health professionals to dismiss or deflect any potential diagnosis. It is helpful to bring your list of symptoms to the assessment and try to be as objective as you can when explaining them.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
If you are concerned that you or your child may have ADHD The first step towards gaining control over symptoms that can disrupt life is here getting an diagnosis. It can be an emotional process, but it's important to understand that the condition is not an indication of lazyness or lack of intelligence; it is simply a neurological condition. It is also essential to recognize that the proper treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
To determine your condition A professional will typically assess you through the combination of a thorough background and discussion of your current symptoms as well as analysing the results of questionnaires and scales created to detect ADHD in adults. They will then use the criteria set out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to determine a reliable diagnosis.
The evaluator also interviews you and your family members, and may conduct medical tests or cognitive tests to rule out any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include things like seizures and thyroid disorders, which can often have similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is essential that you are honest about your issues, and how they impact you at home, work or at school. This will enable the evaluator to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or a coexisting condition which is contributing your symptoms.
If you're considering medication, your doctor will talk to you about it after the assessment has been completed. The GP is not able to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they may offer other treatments for mental health such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to seek an appointment with your doctor, he or she will create a form called a Shared Care Agreement for your GP that outlines the treatment you will receive through the NHS.
Asking your friends and family members for recommendations of professionals who have expertise in ADHD assessments of adults is a good idea before you go for an individual assessment. You can also look online for reviews of the providers in your area and read about the different methods they use. If you prefer, you can use BetterHelp's simple-to-use service to be the right therapist within 48 hours.
Can I get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
If you're a member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose which mental health provider you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. Once your chosen provider has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy), you'll need to ensure that your GP accepts either full-time care or a shared care agreement. Calling the providers directly will let you determine if they have agreements with NHS. You can also check the waiting times of providers on this website.
If your GP recommends you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions about your symptoms and the time when they began. This is to assist your doctor to understand the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Answer these questions in a clear and honest manner.
On the NHS website on the NHS website, you can read more about how you can exercise Your Right to Choose. It is important to note that the NHS currently doesn't provide the titration of medications through the Right to Choose pathway. So, even if you get diagnosed through this route, you may not be able to access the medication you need.
There are many other routes to an ADHD diagnosis, including private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics which provide quick and cheap diagnosis of ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious consequences if you're trying to claim benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for instance.
It's important to remember that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are Class B drugs, and therefore are subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing an offence when using these drugs, you could face a large fine or even jail time.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, either through the NHS or privately, you could be eligible for disability benefits like Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, depending on the severity. You'll also need to provide a letter from the service provider proving this, along with an official copy of your documents.