ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have a legal right to choose who provides your specialist NHS mental health examinations. But not all healthcare professionals are certified to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has heard from patients and whistleblowers who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications without proper checks. We went undercover to find out more.
What is an assessment of the project?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the impact of ADHD on your life and whether medications can assist. You'll need to provide information about your symptoms as well as any issues that they may be causing. You will also be asked about your work and family life. Some patients find it useful to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. This is so they can remember them. A psychiatrist is typically spending 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
You can have an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. GPs must take ADHD concerns seriously and suggest you undergo an assessment. 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 considering the medical history of patients.
If you're concerned about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD, consider finding another GP. There is a good resource on the Psychiatry UK website that provides tips on how to do this, as well as templates for letters that you can use to present your request.
Private psychiatric care is much more efficient and professional, especially in London. The cost ranges from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are skilled in assessing adults of diverse backgrounds, and are able to provide a tailored treatment plan, particularly if you're highly skilled or have a lucrative career. They can also screen and assist 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 qualify for an ADHD diagnosis. You must demonstrate at least 6 characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they impact on your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and the next steps. You can decide to begin treatment that involves stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They are only prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a medical term for identifying a disease, injury or condition. A diagnosis is given by a doctor and is usually followed by a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major part of the medical school curriculum and is an integral part of the education of doctors who work in all areas of medicine. Medical journals frequently use the word and it is frequently included in periodicals about health care.
There are several ways to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in UK. One method is to go to your GP and ask for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. Another option is to ask a private psychiatrist to perform an assessment. Private psychiatrists usually have extensive experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and can offer an accelerated, more competent and knowledgeable process. They are also aware of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist once you've been diagnosed. This could include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), along with other non-medicated treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can decide which treatment option is best suited to your requirements.
In addition to allowing you to get treatment for your ADHD A diagnosis can also help you access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). In the case of DSA this is crucial because it assists with daily activities that those with disabilities or illnesses need to be able to carry out.
If you're thinking about stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD, know that these are class B drugs that can cause addiction. If you're concerned your psychiatrist could refer you to an GP that can prescribe a treatment with no stimulants.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and frustrating process. There are a myriad of aspects to take into consideration and the NHS is often overstretched and under-funded, making it easy for doctors and other health professionals, to dismiss or downplay any possible diagnosis. You could bring a list or symptoms to the appointment and try to be objective when describing your symptoms.
How do I get an medical diagnosis?
You or your child may be suffering from ADHD. The first step to controlling symptoms that can disrupt your life is to obtain an assessment. It's not an easy procedure, but it's essential to remember that ADHD isn't a sign laziness or a lack of intelligence. It is an underlying neurobiological disorder. It is also important to realise that the right treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
To diagnose you an expert will typically assess you through a combination of a detailed background and discussion of your current symptoms, and also analyzing the results from questionnaires and scales designed to identify ADHD in adults. They will then apply the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to determine a reliable diagnosis.
In addition to conducting an interview with you and those close to you, the evaluator may decide to conduct medical tests or cognitive tests to determine the root causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues and seizures, which can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is important to be open about your symptoms and how they impact your life at home, work or school. This is so that the evaluator can determine if you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, or a co-existing condition that is contributing to your symptoms.
Once the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss the options for medication with you in the event that you are considering these. Doctors are not permitted to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they can offer other treatments for mental health like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you do choose to seek an appointment, your therapist will create a form for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement which outlines what treatment you'll be receiving on the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Before you take an individual diagnosis It is a good idea to ask your family and friends for recommendations of experts who have experience with ADHD assessments for adults. You can also read reviews online about providers in your locality and learn more about their procedures. If you prefer, you can use BetterHelp's easy-to-use service to get the right therapist within 48 hours.
Can I receive a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
If you're a member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose which mental health professional you're referred to for an ADHD assessment. You'll need to ensure that your GP will accept either full care or a'shared care agreement' when your chosen doctor discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually medication or CBT therapy). You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them directly. You can also look up the waiting times on this site before you decide to go with a specific provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and the date they started when your GP refers to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This will aid your doctor in understanding the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your life. It's important to answer these honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website on the NHS website, you can read more about exercising Your Right to Choose. The NHS does not currently offer the option of titration for medicines through the Right to Choose path. Even if you're diagnosed through this pathway, you may not be able to access the medication that you require.
There are a number of alternatives to an ADHD diagnosis which include private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that provide affordable and quick diagnosis of ADHD. These practices could have serious repercussions, such as the case if you want to claim benefits like the Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.
It's important to remember that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs which means they are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of an offense of read more a criminal nature while taking these medicines 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 entitled to disability benefits in the form of Attendance Allowance and/or Income Support dependent on the severity of your condition. You'll need an official letter from your doctor to prove this, along with a copy of your medical records.