ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health tests. Some healthcare professionals do not have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has heard from patients and whistleblowers 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 of the project?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the effects of ADHD on your life and whether medications can assist. You'll need to provide details of your symptoms and any issues they are causing. You will also be asked about your family and work schedule. Some patients find it beneficial to write down their symptoms prior to the appointment. This helps them remember them. An assessment usually includes a 45-90 minutes of discussion with the psychiatrist.
There are two main ways to get an adult ADHD assessment The other is through the NHS or private. Doctors must take ADHD concerns seriously and recommend you to an assessment. The system is not without its problems. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful drugs over long periods of time, and not taking into account the medical background of patients.
If you are concerned about your GP's views on ADHD consider a different GP. There is a good 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 care is much more efficient and professional, particularly in London. The price ranges from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience conducting assessments of adults with diverse backgrounds and offer an individual approach, particularly in cases where you might be extremely intelligent or successful in your career. They can also screen for and assist with co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety which are frequently associated with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and use the DSM V criteria to determine whether you qualify for an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to demonstrate six traits (symptoms), which are present in your life today, and how they have affected your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and next steps. You may choose to start treatment, which can involve stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants belong to the class B drug and therefore controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They are only prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a medical term for identifying an injury, disease or condition. A doctor will make diagnosis and often follow it with a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major component of the medical school curriculum and is an integral component of the education of doctors in all fields of medicine. Medical journals frequently use the word and it is often used in periodical articles about health care.
There are a variety of methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. Another option is to seek a private psychiatrist to perform the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults and provide a faster more efficient, professional and more thorough process. They also have a greater awareness of the other conditions that can cause confusion symptoms with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist once you have been diagnosed. This can include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), along with other non-medicated therapies such relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can choose which treatment option best suits your needs.
In addition to allowing you to get treatment for your ADHD, a diagnosis can help you access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). In the case of DSA this is particularly important as it aids in daily activities that people with disabilities or illnesses have to perform.
If you're thinking about trying stimulants such as methylphenidate for your ADHD, be aware that they are class B drugs, which mean that they can potentially lead to addiction. If you are concerned about this, your psychiatrist may refer you to an GP who can prescribe a different kind of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
It can be difficult and challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis. There are many factors to consider and the NHS system is usually over stressed and under-funded, so it can be extremely easy for doctors or other health professionals to ignore or minimize a possible diagnosis. You can bring a list of symptoms to the assessment, and try to be honest when explaining your symptoms.
How do I get an medical diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD, the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that can disrupt life is getting a diagnosis. It can be a difficult 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 recognize that the proper treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of your living.
A professional will diagnose you by combining a thorough history and a detailed review of your current symptoms and analysing the results of questionnaires and scales that are designed to determine ADHD among adults. They will then use the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders private adhd assessment near me (5th edition) to arrive at a precise diagnosis.
The evaluator will also interview you and your family members, and may conduct medical or cognitive tests to determine any root causes behind your symptoms. This could include thyroid disorders and seizures, which typically have the same symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment, it is important to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they impact your life at home, school or at work. This will allow the evaluator to determine whether you have ADHD or a disorder that is contributing to your symptoms.
If you're thinking about taking medication, your clinician will discuss it after the assessment has been completed. Doctors are not permitted to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to offer other treatments for mental health like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to get a prescription from your physician, he or she will prepare paperwork called a Shared care Agreement for your GP which outlines the treatment you will receive on the NHS.
Asking your family and friends to recommend professionals who have expertise in ADHD assessments of adults is a good idea prior to undergoing a private assessment. You can also look online for reviews of the providers in your area, and read about the various approaches they use. Alternatively, you can try BetterHelp's easy-to-use service to get matched with an experienced therapist within 48 hours.
Can I receive a diagnosis using Right to Choose?
You have the right to select your mental health professional to conduct an ADHD evaluation if you're an active military service. If your chosen doctor has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy), you'll need to confirm that your GP accepts either full care, or something called a shared care agreement. You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them directly. You can also find the waiting times on this site before deciding to go with a specific provider.
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 is to assist your doctor to understand the extent of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website, you can learn more about how you can exercise Your Right to Choose. It's worth noting that the NHS currently does not offer the titration of medications through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you're diagnosed with this pathway, you may not be able to access the medication that you require.
There are many other routes to an ADHD diagnosis which include private clinics. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics offering quick, cheap diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious repercussions like when you attempt to claim benefits such as the Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.
It's important to remember that the stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are Class B drugs which means they are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are found guilty of committing a crime when using these drugs, you may be liable for a significant fine or even imprisonment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, either through the NHS or privately you may be eligible for benefits for disabled people like Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, based on the degree of the disorder. You'll need the letter from your healthcare provider to prove this, along with the medical records.