ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, it is your legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health exams. However, not all healthcare professionals are qualified to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has heard from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications without proper screening. We went undercover to learn more.
What is an assessment of an initiative?
An assessment is a session with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and determine whether medication could help. You'll be asked to bring details of your symptoms and any problems that they may be causing. You will be asked questions about your family and work life. Some patients find it beneficial to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. They can then remember them. An assessment typically requires a 45 to 90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist.
You can get an adult ADHD evaluation through the NHS or privately. GPs should take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are willing to refer you to an assessment. However this 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 background of patients.
If you're worried about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD you should consider seeking out a different GP. On the Psychiatry-UK site, you will find a resource that includes templates and guidelines for making your request.
Private psychiatric services are faster and more professional, especially in London. The costs typically range from PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience of screening adults from a variety of backgrounds and offer a tailored approach, especially when you are likely to be highly skilled or successful in your career. They can also test for and provide assistance with any co-morbidities commonly found alongside ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
cost of private adhd assessment examines your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to demonstrate six traits (symptoms) that are present in your life today, and how they have affected your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist then informs you of your options and the next steps. You can decide to start treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants are covered under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They must be prescribed only by a doctor or psychiatrist registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a medical term used to describe the cause of a condition, injury or condition. A doctor will provide diagnosis and often follow it with a treatment plan. The diagnosis is a major element of the curriculum for medical students, and it is an integral part in the education of doctors across all areas of medicine. The term is often used in medical journals as well as in articles about health care.
There are several ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One method is to go to your GP and request them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or a clinic. Another way is to get an individual psychiatrist to make an assessment. Private psychiatrists generally have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and can offer the most rapid, competent and knowledgeable process. They also tend to have a greater awareness of the other conditions that could cause confusion symptoms with ADHD like anxiety and depression.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist once you have been diagnosed. This can include medications or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medicated treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can then decide whether you'd like to choose the treatment that is most suitable for your requirements.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also help you receive reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is especially important because it assists with daily activities that people with disabilities or illnesses need to perform.
If you're thinking of using stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD be aware that these are class B substances which means that they could lead to addiction. If you're worried, your psychiatrist can refer to a GP who can prescribe a treatment that isn't dependent on stimulants.
It can be a frustrating and challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis. There are many 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 downplay any potential diagnosis. It is a good idea to take your list of symptoms to the appointment and try to be as objective as you can when you describe them.
How can I get an medical diagnosis?
You or your child may be suffering from ADHD. The first step in addressing the symptoms that could disrupt your life is to seek an assessment. It's a difficult process, but it is crucial to recognize that ADHD isn't a sign of insanity or insufficiency; it is simply a neurological condition. It is also important to realize that the correct treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of your living.
To diagnose you, a professional will usually evaluate you by a combination of a detailed description of your current symptoms and also analyze the results of questionnaires and scales that have been developed to detect ADHD in adults. They will then apply the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The evaluator also interviews you and your family members, and may conduct cognitive tests or medical exams to determine any underlying causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues and seizure disorders, which often have the same symptoms as ADHD.
During the evaluation it is crucial to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they affect you at home, work or school. This is so that the assessor can determine whether or not you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing disorder that is contributing to your symptoms.
If you're considering treatment, your physician will discuss it after the assessment has been completed. The GP cannot prescribe ADHD medication, however they can provide other types of mental health treatment such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to get a prescription from your clinician, he or she will prepare paperwork called a Shared Care Agreement for your GP which outlines the treatment you will receive through the NHS.
Asking your friends and family members to recommend professionals with expertise in ADHD evaluations for adults is a great idea prior to taking an assessment in private. You can also search online for reviews of the providers in your area, and read about the different methods they use. Alternatively, you can try BetterHelp's easy-to-use service to get matched with an experienced therapist within 48 hours.
Can I get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
You have the right to choose your mental health practitioner to conduct an ADHD evaluation if you are an active member of the military service. 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 care, or something called a shared care agreement. You can determine which providers have these contracts with the NHS by calling them direct. You can also check the waiting times of the providers on this site.
If your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and the time when they began. This is to aid your doctor in understanding the extent of your symptoms and how they impact your life. It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
You can 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. Therefore, even if you get diagnosed through this method, you might not be able to access the medication you need.
Private clinics are among the other ways to get an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics which provide quick and cheap diagnoses of ADHD. These shortcuts can be dangerous if you're seeking benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for example.
It's worth noting that the stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are Class B drugs, and therefore are subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are found guilty of committing a crime when using these drugs, you could face a large fine, or even a prison sentence.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately you may be eligible for benefits for disabled people like Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, depending on the degree of the disorder. You'll also have to provide a letter from the provider that proves this, along with the copy of your medical record.