ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK it is your legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health exams. Healthcare professionals may not all are qualified to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has been told by patients and whistleblowers that some private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medications, often without proper checks. We went undercover to learn more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a meeting with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and to see whether medication could aid. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will also be asked about your work and family life. Some patients find it beneficial to write down symptoms before their appointment. This helps them remember them. A psychiatrist will usually spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
There are two methods to obtain an adult ADHD assessment The other is through the NHS or private. The GP must take ADHD concerns seriously and suggest you undergo an assessment. However this system isn't without flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful drugs over long periods of time, and not taking into consideration the medical history of patients.
If you are concerned about the attitude of your doctor to ADHD consider a different GP. On the Psychiatry-UK site, you will find templates and guidelines to submit your request.
Private psychiatric treatment is more efficient and professional, especially in London. The cost ranges from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience conducting assessments of adults with diverse backgrounds and offer specific solutions, particularly in cases where you might 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 such as anxiety and depression.
The Psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms and apply the DSM V criteria to determine whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to show at least 6 traits (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they have impacted on your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist will inform you of your options and the next steps. You may choose to start treatment, which may involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are covered under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They require prescription from a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a medical term for identifying the cause of a condition, injury or condition. A diagnosis is given by a doctor and is often supported by a treatment program. Diagnosis is a major component of the medical school curriculum and is an integral part of the education of doctors working in all areas of medicine. Medical journals often use the term "diagnosis" and it is frequently used in periodical articles about health care.
There are a variety of ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One option is to visit your GP and ask for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or a clinic. Another option is to ask an individual psychiatrist to make a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more adept in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to offer a quicker more efficient, professional and more empathetic process. They are also aware of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
After you have been diagnosed and have a treatment plan, you can discuss options with your psychiatrist. This could include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as other non-medication treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can decide which treatment option is best suited to your needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is especially important because it helps with day-to-day activities that people who suffer from disabilities or illnesses require to be able to carry out.
If you're thinking about taking stimulants like methylphenidate for your ADHD, be aware that these are class B drugs which means that they could lead to addiction. If you're concerned about this, your psychiatrist may refer you to an GP who can prescribe a different type of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and stressful process. There are a myriad of factors to take into account and the NHS is often over-stretched and under-resourced, so it's easy for GPs, and other health professionals, to dismiss or deflect any potential diagnosis. It is a good idea to take your symptoms with you for the examination and try to be as objective as you possibly can when explaining the symptoms.
How do I find out if I have an appointment for a diagnosis?
If you are concerned that you or your child could have ADHD The first step to gain control over symptoms that can cause disruption to your life is to get diagnosed. It is a psychological process, but it is essential to realize that ADHD isn't a sign of insanity or insufficiency; it is a normal neurobiological condition. It is also vital to realize that the correct treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of living.
A specialist will determine your diagnosis by combining a detailed history and a detailed review of your present symptoms and analysing the results of the questionnaires and scales that are designed to determine ADHD among adults. They will then use the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to arrive at a precise diagnosis.
In addition to conducting an interview with you and those close to you, the evaluator might be required to conduct cognitive testing or medical exams to determine if there are any underlying causes of your symptoms. This can include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions which may have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is crucial to be open about your issues, and how they impact you at work, home or at school. This will help the evaluator to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or a coexisting disorder that is contributing to your symptoms.
If you're thinking of taking treatment, your physician will talk to you about it once the assessment is completed. Doctors are not able to prescribe ADHD medication, however they can provide other types of mental health treatments, such as 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 that specifies 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 great idea prior to undergoing an assessment in private. You can also search the internet for reviews of providers in your area, and read about the various approaches they employ. You can also use BetterHelp's simple service to be matched within 48 hours with an experienced therapist.
Can I 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 professional you're referred to for an ADHD assessment. 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 a shared care agreement. You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them direct. You can also check the waiting times of providers by visiting this website.
If your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and when they started. This will aid your doctor in understanding the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. It is important to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
You can learn more about how you can exercise 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. Therefore, even if you get diagnosed through this method, you might not be able to access the medication you require.
There are a variety of other routes to an ADHD diagnosis, including private clinics. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that provide quick, cheap diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These methods can have serious consequences if you're trying to claim benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for example.
It is important to remember that stimulants that are prescribed for ADHD fall under Class B drugs and are therefore subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If cost of private adhd assessment uk found guilty of committing an offence of criminal intent while taking these drugs you could be subject to 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 and/or Income Support according to the severity of your condition. You'll need to provide an official letter from your doctor which proves this, along with an original copy of your medical records.