ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health tests. But not all healthcare professionals are qualified to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has heard from patients and whistleblowers who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe drugs without proper checks. We went undercover to find out more.
What is an assessment of an initiative?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the effects of ADHD on your life and if medication can help. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will also be asked about your family and work schedule. Some patients find it beneficial 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.
You can obtain an adult ADHD evaluation through the NHS or privately. Doctors must take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be willing to refer you to an assessment. The system is not without problems. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns regarding the long-term use of powerful drugs being dished out by doctors, and a lack of proper care and consideration for the medical history of patients.
If you're worried about the attitude of your GP toward ADHD you should consider seeking out a different GP. There is a good resource on the Psychiatry UK website that provides tips on how to do this and templates for letters you can use to submit your request.
Private psychiatric care is much more efficient and professional, particularly in London. The cost is ranging from PS600 to up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are skilled in conducting assessments of people from different backgrounds, and are able to provide an individual treatment plan, particularly if you're educated or have a thriving career. They can also screen for and assist with co-morbidities such as anxiety and depression, that are often present in conjunction with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and apply the DSM V criteria to determine whether you are eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to show six characteristics (symptoms), which are present in your current life, and how they have affected your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist then informs you on your options and the next steps. You can decide to begin treatment, which can involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They are only prescribed by a psychiatrist or a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a medical term that refers to the recognition of a disease, condition or injury. A doctor will make a diagnosis and often accompany it with an action plan. The diagnosis is an essential part of the curriculum of medical students and is a crucial part of the training of doctors in all fields of medicine. The term is often utilized in medical journals and in articles on health care.
There are a number of ways to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist is also able to perform an assessment. Private psychiatrists usually have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and can offer a much quicker, more professional and understanding 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 once you have been diagnosed. This can include medication such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other non-medicated treatments such as relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can then decide whether you want to take up the treatment option that best suits your needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also assist you to obtain reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is crucial because it helps with day-to-day activities that those who suffer from disabilities or illnesses require to do.
If you are thinking about trying stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD, be aware that they are class B substances which mean that they can potentially lead to addiction. If you're worried, your psychiatrist can refer to an GP who can prescribe a treatment that isn't dependent on stimulants.
It can be a frustrating and difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis. There are many factors to consider as well as the NHS system is often over stressed and under-funded which means it can be very easy for GPs and other health professionals to dismiss or downplay a potential diagnosis. It is helpful to bring your list of symptoms for the examination and try to be as objective as you can when describing them.
How do I get an appointment for a diagnosis?
Your child or you may be suffering from ADHD. The first step in addressing the symptoms that can affect your life is to obtain an diagnosis. It is a psychological process, but it's essential to realize that the condition is not a sign of laziness or lack of intelligence; it is a normal neurobiological issue. It is important to understand that the correct treatment can assist you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
A professional will diagnose you by combining a detailed history and a detailed review of your current symptoms, and then analyzing the results of scales and questionnaires designed to identify ADHD in adults. They will then use the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to make an accurate diagnosis.
The evaluator also interviews you and your family members, and may conduct medical or cognitive tests in order to rule out any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, which often have the same symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is crucial to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they affect your life at home, school or at work. This will allow the evaluator to determine if you have ADHD or a condition that is causing your symptoms.
If you're thinking about 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 do other types of mental health treatment such as CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy). If you decide to get a prescription from your clinician who will draft a document here known as a Shared care Agreement for your GP that specifies the treatment you will receive through the NHS.
Asking your family and friends for recommendations on experts with expertise in ADHD evaluations for adults is a good idea prior to taking an individual assessment. You can also read reviews online regarding the services in your area and find out more about their techniques. You can also use BetterHelp's simple service to get matched within a matter of 48 hours with an experienced therapist.
Can I get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
You are entitled to select your mental health professional to conduct an ADHD evaluation if you are an active military service. You'll need to ensure that your GP will accept full care or a shared care agreement' once the chosen provider has discharged you and prescribes treatment (usually medication or CBT therapy). Contacting the provider directly will let you find out if they are covered by contracts with NHS. You can find the waiting times of providers by visiting this website.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and when they began, if you GP recommends an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This will assist your doctor to understand the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Answer these questions with honesty and clarity.
You can learn more about exercising your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It is important to note that the NHS currently doesn't provide a titration service for medications through the Right to Choose pathway. If you are diagnosed via this method, you might not be in a position to get the medication you require.
Private clinics are one of the other ways to get an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that provide affordable, quick diagnoses for people with ADHD. These methods can be dangerous if you're seeking benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, as an example.
It's worth noting that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are Class B drugs which means they are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are convicted of committing a crime while taking these drugs, you could face a large fine, or even a prison sentence.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, either through the NHS or privately you may be entitled to disability benefits, such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, depending on the severity. You'll also need to provide a written confirmation from the healthcare provider to prove this, as well as an official copy of your documents.